Wakefield-based engineering firm Craven Fawcett has completed a complex technical overhaul for a global mineral processor, underscoring the growing industry trend of prioritising equipment lifecycle management over replacement.

The project involved the design, manufacture, and installation of a new gearbox for a Centaur 510 Extruder—a critical component in a production line that transforms China clay into raw material for the ceramics, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Rather than decommissioning the unit, Craven Fawcett’s engineers manufactured bespoke gears and components at their Wakefield facility, before deploying a service team to a European site to execute a high-stakes installation. The operation required the integration of legacy components with new engineering, a testament to the precision required in modern industrial maintenance.

“This project involved close collaboration between our production and service teams to ensure the gearbox matched the customer’s exact requirements and could be installed quickly and efficiently,” said Gavin Richardson, Service Manager at Craven Fawcett. “We have extensive experience in managing machine refurbishment, installation projects, maintenance, and service programmes, whether that be Craven Fawcett or other manufacturers’ equipment.”

The contract reinforces the role of North of England engineering firms in supporting global industrial efficiency, as companies increasingly turn to long-term partnerships to maintain the performance of their core assets.

Craven Fawcett is a division of Group Rhodes and designs and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of clay preparation machinery from its West Yorkshire headquarters.