Aftermarket & Bespoke Parts Specialists
Reverse Engineering & Manufacturing for Obsolete Components
When an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) declares a critical part obsolete or carries a multi-week lead time, waiting is not an option. At Hickman Engineering, one-off projects and bespoke component manufacturing represent our core expertise. Whether you need a single replacement component or a complete system refurbishment, our manufacturing capabilities adapt to any requirement, ensuring your heavy machinery stays operational and your downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.
What are Aftermarket & Bespoke Parts?
Aftermarket and bespoke parts are custom-manufactured components designed to replace original parts that are damaged, severely worn, or no longer supported by the manufacturer. Instead of scrapping an entire machine over a single broken bracket or worn gear, we reverse-engineer the original component design. Using advanced machining and fabrication techniques, we create a brand-new, exact-tolerance replacement part that perfectly fits your existing machinery.
Solving the “Obsolete” Problem
“No” is not in our vocabulary. Led by our Parts Manager, Dave Smith, we specialise in tracking down hard to find components or manufacturing them entirely from scratch. You do not need original drawings to work with us. We can work from damaged parts, rough measurements, photographs, or even verbal descriptions to recreate components for equipment dating as far back as the 1960s and 1970s.
Our Precision Manufacturing Process
We follow a meticulous process to ensure every bespoke component meets or exceeds original OEM standards:
Assessment & Reverse Engineering
We inspect your snapped, worn, or obsolete component to understand its original operational requirements and establish the exact tolerances needed for a flawless fit.
Design Optimisation
Our Computer Aided Design (CAD) team creates precise digital models. During this phase, we often identify opportunities to enhance the materials or improve the structural design while maintaining complete compatibility with your machine.
In-House Manufacturing
Using our advanced Traditional Machining and Fabrication Services capabilities, we manufacture replacement parts in-house to your exact specifications, ensuring a repair that is as strong as the day the machine was first built.
Sectors & Case Studies
We regularly manufacture bespoke parts and supply aftermarket components for leading global brands across multiple industries, here’s some examples of our recent work:
When a critical machine went down due to an unavailable cross slide leadscrew, we reverse-engineered and manufactured a trapezoidal left-hand thread leadscrew and phosphor bronze nut completely in-house.
Faced with a four-week lead time for replacement wheel nuts and studs for a regular client, we manufactured bespoke replacements featuring custom thread cutting and straight knurling within a matter of hours.
We supply aftermarket parts and manufacture bespoke components for heavy-duty equipment, acting as official agents and specialists for NT Liftec, Cummins, Beta Marine, and Volvo Penta.
The 24/7 Flat Rate Promise
When you need an emergency part manufactured, downtime can cost thousands. That is why we operate a continuous response service with a transparent pricing structure. We charge a flat rate regardless of the time or day, meaning a Tuesday afternoon costs the exact same as a Bank Holiday weekend. If you are within 20 miles of our Immingham base, we guarantee a 90-minute response time. Contact Hickman Engineering today to source or manufacture your critical parts.
