Alcon Components Ltd, a distinguished UK-based manufacturer renowned for its brake and clutch systems, is commemorating 15 years since it first supplied a defense-calibrated caliper. With robust foundations in motorsport and performance automotive sectors, Alcon has successfully expanded into various specialized fields, including defense and security, aerospace ground support, agriculture, mining, emergency services, leisure off-road, and electric vehicles.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since the 1990s, Alcon has been supplying heavy-duty brake kits for armored vehicles. The company’s inaugural defense project began in August 2008, producing a bespoke iron caliper solution for Ricardo. By October 2008, Alcon delivered six-piston aluminum billet calipers for a modified RWMIK Land Rover, which was demonstrated to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The success of this project led to an order for production components in November 2008, facilitating the tooling for Alcon’s first production iron caliper, delivered in early 2009. This milestone was quickly followed by an order from Supacat to enhance the braking system of the Jackal vehicle, which had become overmatched by the addition of heavy armor systems.
Strategic Growth and Diversification
Alcon’s journey in the defense and security sector has been guided by three strategic approaches:
- Off-the-Shelf Kits: Designed for companies armoring SUVs.
- Bespoke Braking Solutions: Tailored for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
- Supply of Braking Solutions: Provided to established axle manufacturers serving the defense and off-highway vehicle markets.
These strategies have driven a 500% growth in Alcon’s defense and security business over the last 20 years, with the specialist vehicle division now contributing approximately 20% of Alcon’s total annual revenue. Since their first bespoke defense project in 2008, Alcon’s customer base has expanded to include over 15 defense vehicle OEMs, such as BAE, QinetiQ, Patria, and Supacat. Additionally, Alcon has sold off-the-shelf kits to over 50 armoring companies for various vehicles, including those from Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Jeep, Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Chrysler (Dodge/RAM), and Skoda.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon, stated, “Working in defense and security makes us exceedingly proud as we know that the improvements in performance and safety that our braking systems deliver help to save the lives of those operating in dangerous and harsh environments. In the last 25+ years, we’ve worked with over 80 different defense and security customers and have manufactured and delivered tens of thousands of brake components for this sector.”
He emphasized the pivotal transition from aluminum to iron calipers in 2008, which opened up wide-ranging opportunities in specialist areas beyond defense. Edwards added, “We’ve absolutely proven ourselves to be the place to come to for bespoke or off-the-shelf braking solutions that increase performance, reduce weight, improve safety, and reduce through-life costs. Today’s celebration of success is a proud moment for me and for the entire team. I thank all our defense and security customers for trusting in us, and we look forward to continuing to deliver our ongoing growth plans in this important marketplace.”
Looking Ahead
Alcon’s iron caliper range, now a core offering, is embedded across multiple applications alongside their high-performance aluminum and motorsport ranges. The company’s axle customers have included AxleTech (now Cummins), BASE, SISU, and PRM Newage, with the heaviest single caliper designed for AxleTech, weighing 27kg each. Alcon continues to push the boundaries of innovation and quality in braking solutions, reinforcing their position as a trusted partner in the defense and security sectors.
