UK Gaskets; the Ins and Outs
Part of the fluid containment and control products industry, UK gaskets and seals, are omnipresent in the field of mechanical engineering. Gaskets are devices designed to act as a bond between two mating surfaces of a mechanical system. They help to ensure against leakages of liquids or gases into sensitive, inner working machine components. The devices also perform the added function of protecting machine components from impurities. They do so by preventing the accumulation of dirt and grime between the matched components.
As vital machine components, they play a critical role in influencing machine function and durability of machine installation. Diverse end-use applications range from automobiles to industry machinery. E.g. construction & related equipment, general purpose machinery, engines, turbines & power, HVAC & service equipment. All the way to electrical & electronic equipment (instruments, computers, appliances, marine & rail, and aerospace), among others.
A Dip in Demand…
Economic recession has resulted in a dip in demand for UK gaskets and seals. This is not surprising, given the fact that fortunes in this market are tied to the health of key end-use industries. Demand for UK gaskets and seals plummeted to hurting levels during the years 2008 and 2009. Tempered growth in the market dipped sub-zero in the year 2009. This flagged the hostile business environment in most application markets. The recession brought the automotive industry, one of the largest end-user of gasket and seals, as a major causality. Automobile production and sales nose-dived.
Plant closures, capacity idling, and scaling back of operating capacity in the auto-industry sent ripples of declines across the upstream component markets. This includes gaskets and seals. They find application in vehicle manufacturing as engine gasket, camshaft and auxiliary shaft seals, water pump seals, trans axle seals, and oil seals, among others. Reduced frequency of maintenance and repairs of automobiles also resulted in reduced demand for replacement aftermarket purchases of gaskets and seals.
Slowing levels of economic activity exerted a disproportionate impact on industrial production. Reduced manufacturing, commercial activity, and supply surpluses, resulted in a less urgent need for new plant establishments. As well as capacity expansions, it is therefore impacting both new and replacement demand for industrial machinery seals.
Realigning with Demand
The recession has now started to realign with demand, already showing signs of recovery. Recovery in GDP growth, income levels, discretionary incomes, rise in consumer/business confidence, rebound in manufacturing activity and reviving growth in the market. Replenishing depleting inventories in the supply chain, due to resurging production will additionally help perk up demand for gaskets and seals.
Technology developments bring about incremental improvements in mechanical strength and sealing capabilities. The sheer diversity of application areas for gasket and seals provide a quick and easy road for recovery. Improving economic conditions will unleash pent-up demand as previously postponed purchase decisions resurge to provide commercial opportunities.
Stephens Gaskets – Leading Gasket Manufacturers
We are one of the country’s leading suppliers and manufacturers of precision machined components. Here at Stephens Gaskets we are proud to be able to produce gaskets to support a wide range of applications. Flexibility is what makes us stand out against our competitors. You can be sure that we will go above and beyond to meet your requirements. We treat every requirement individually. Using our decades of experience we’ll be able to design and manufacture either standard gaskets or custom gaskets, using only the highest quality of gasket material. Whether it’s rubber gaskets, metal gaskets or another type of material, we’ll ensure our products are always high in quality and value and competitively priced.
Contact us Today
As expert gasket & shim washer suppliers, Stephens Gaskets are committed to providing the best service and high quality products. If you’d like more information on gaskets or to place an order with Stephens Gaskets, please contact 0121 544 5808 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
If you have found this blog helpful, you may wish to read our previous blog on Flexoid Gaskets.