In June 2013 Gates kit assembly operation in Legnica (Poland) will have produced its 5 millionth PowerGrip® Kit - an impressive achievement in a short period of time. Early in 2011 Gates installed a state-of-the-art kit assembly line in its largest and most advanced European Power Transmission plant, Gates Polska.

The Polish plant produces the mixing compound for all European plants and a broad range of V- and synchronous belts for industrial and automotive applications. Next to the SBDS (Synchronous Belt Drive System) PowerGrip® Kits, also ABDS (Accessory Belt Drive Systems) Micro-V® Kits are also assembled there since a few months. In line with all European Gates plants, Gates Polska and its kit facility are a fully certified quality operation (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001).

Gates is not only a renowned OE timing belt manufacturer, but is also one of the largest OE tensioner suppliers in Europe. After the start of a new production plant for OE and aftermarket tensioners in Izmir (Turkey), the kit assembly operation was the next logical step for Gates in Europe. The Polish site now houses several assembly lines on which most of the timing belt kits for the European aftermarket are assembled.

Twenty years ago Gates changed the face of the aftermarket industry by introducing the first PowerGrip® timing belt kit allowing the replacement of belts, idlers and tensioners all at the same time. Ever since Gates has continued to further expand its range and invest in product innovation and additional customer support. By taking full control over both the production and assembly process, Gates established itself as the true timing belt system specialist; a supplier delivering complete systems with reliable components that fit and perform like the original. As the timing belt is a highly critical element in the drive system, it is better not to take risks and install timing belt kits that ensure genuine OE performance.

Today, Gates offers the most comprehensive timing belt kit range for the aftermarket for 99% of the vehicles on the road in Europe including petrol and diesel engines for Asian, European and American models. The latest kit assembly line installed in December is dedicated to the growing demand for PowerGrip® Kits Plus Water Pump for the replacement market. A typical Gates PowerGrip® Kit Plus Water Pump box includes all the parts required for a complete overhaul of the timing belt system. This may include one or more timing belts, tensioner(s), idler(s), necessary accessories, specific installation instructions, and an application-specific water pump, all of guaranteed original equipment (OE) quality.

A range of professional engine-specific timing tools as well as a full range of general tools have been developed by Gates to support mechanics for a proper kit installation. Gates also provides the most complete and up-to-date application catalogue on the market in printed and in online versions to guide the mechanics in their component selection.

Gates PowerGrip® Kits are the only kits in the market containing components that are designed and engineered together. And when choosing Gates, one does not only buy a reliable kit from a trusted brand but also a complete support package.

Gates PowerGrip® Kits provide all components for a synchronous belt drive system plus installation instructions in an all-in-one kit.