Melett becomes part of the Wabtec Corporation

Melett Limited has been acquired by the Wabtec Corporation. The US-based company is a global provider of value-added, technology-based products and services for freight rail, passenger transit and other industrial segments. Melett is part of the Wabtec Global Turbocharger Group, offering turbocharger solutions for industrial, marine, off-highway, commercial vehicles, locomotive, military, passenger cars and performance applications. The group also includes; Precision Turbo & Engine, Turbonetics and Napier.

2016 saw further expansion

2016 saw further expansion when additional warehouse capacity was introduced to enhance stock availability. The 12,500 sqm warehouse is adjacent to the existing UK Head Office. It houses; goods-in, quality, inspection and kit building operations. It also accommodates an ever-expanding product range, covering the most popular turbo models, as well as many less popular models, originally manufactured by Garrett, Holset (Cummins Turbo Technologies), Borg Warner (Schwitzer and 3K), MHI (Mitsubishi), Komatsu, Toyota, IHI, Hitachi and Continental.

Melett launches a range of precision engineered turbochargers

To further support the professional turbo repair industry, Melett’s launched a range of precision engineered turbochargers, providing a quality, yet cost effective alternative to a new OE turbocharger. Melett is renowned for producing OE quality parts to help the turbo aftermarket produce the highest quality repairs. The same commitment to engineering excellence has been applied to produce Melett Turbochargers. Find our more about Melett Turbocharger range here.

In-house control

Expansion continued throughout 2014 after moving the in-house core production facility to a larger premises. This dedicated core production facility includes core building, balancing and packaging, and extensive stock holding, this has significantly increased volume capabilities. This was followed closely by the launch of a new Melett manufacturing facility in China. As a result, this market move meant the company started to take in-house control of more manufacturing operations.

Melett opens Polska office

To help better serve the Polish market, a sales and distribution centre – Melett Polska, was opened in 2013. The opening of Melett Polska signified a further extension to Melett’s expansive growth plans. The facility, located in Bydgoszcz, Poland, acts as the local distribution centre for customers throughout Poland and allows Melett to work much closer with the Polish market. Such has been the success in the Polish market that in November 2016 the team moved to a new larger Melett owned building with over 890sqm of warehouse space.

Melett opens first satellite office

Further expansion in 2012 saw the opening of Melett North America Inc. This was a momentous occasion Melett – first satellite office. Melett recognised the potential of having a base within the US, and the opening of Melett North America Inc. reflected a significant expansion of current business operations. The proximity allowed Melett to build-up strong business partnerships within the US, giving Melett the ability to offer an unmatched level of customer service and global reach. Melett North America includes sales, warehouse and distribution facilities to serve the US and Canadian markets.

Melett moved to new and much expanded premises

In March 2011, further expansion was needed and Melett invested €1.4 million in new and much expanded premises in Barnsley, Yorkshire, UK (still the Melett Head Office today). As a result, this enabled the company to significantly extend its services to customers worldwide. It included improved warehousing and shipping capabilities, new purpose built offices, as well as dedicated CHRA/Core assembly production and enhanced engineering metrology facilities.

A new larger premises in Huddersfield

Due to substantial growth, in July 2006, Melett moved from its modest premises in Dewsbury to new larger premises in Clayton West, Huddersfield. The new premises incorporated; new offices, mezzanine floor space and extra racking. At the time allowing lots of room for future development and growth. Along with most of its customers, the company developed rapidly in line with market growth. Also, in order to keep ahead of the continuing growth, and to increase product development, stock availability and quality, the company invested heavily in the latest machinery, experienced team members and quality facilities.

Ian became a Director

Ian had an interest in engines from an early age due to his family’s garage and haulage company business. After finishing a Mechanical Engineering Design degree, Ian completed further post graduate business qualifications whilst working in the structural aluminium industry. Ian became a Director and Shareholder in the business but after a takeover in 2001, he sold his shares and left. He wanted to set up his own business, and quickly found that Melett was looking for a new owner – and Melett as it is known today was re-launched at Automechanika 2002.

The company maintained good growth

The company maintained good growth in its first six years until the sudden and untimely loss of Melvyn in 2001. Consequently, the following twelve months brought much uncertainty until the company was bought in 2002 by Mr Ian Warhurst, Chartered Mechanical Engineer – now Melett’s former owner and Managing Director.

Melett was founded

Melett’s history began in 1995 when the late Melvyn Hackett started the company. Melvyn, formerly of Garrett, worked in the turbo industry for decades initially setting-up and running the European arm of ‘Rotomaster’. They were the largest independent manufacturers of turbo repair parts and were bought out by Garrett in 1985. Melvyn became the head of Garrett Aftermarket for the next 9 years until being made redundant in 1995. Whilst not wishing to retire, Melvyn decided to start his own aftermarket business – naming the company, Melett.