Richard Hoyland retired on 20 December concluding an impressive 16-year tenure as sales director at Central Wheel Components.
Under his leadership, the Birmingham-based company has established itself as a leader in wheel building and spoke manufacturing, serving customers nationally and internationally. He played a key role in expanding the company’s market reach and enhancing its reputation within the industry. Known for his dynamic approach and innovative strategies, he built strong relationships with clients and suppliers, contributing significantly to the company’s growth. He leaves a legacy of excellence and solid foundations for the future of the firm.
Throughout his tenure at Central Wheel, Hoyland was involved in all areas of the company, from hiring many of the current team members to overseeing production, sales, and marketing of the CWC, SM Pro, and Bulldog product ranges.
The period from 2010 to 2024 was a time of significant growth for the company. Interestingly, while the Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected many engineering firms in the Midlands, it helped Central Wheel Components. As businesses worldwide sent their workforces home, there was a sudden surge in demand for wheel builds, replacement spokes, and rims. Enjoying an enforced paid holiday many bikers headed to their garages and sheds and sent in their motorcycle wheels for restoration.
During Hoyland’s reign, the company invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including a new fully automatic swaging machine, which allows large production runs of more than 100,000 spokes to be completed in half the time it previously took. A new high-tech laser for etching rims and hubs was purchased and there are plans for a second one early this year. Additionally, a new spoke butt swager, four new spoke threading machines and two new automatic spoke cutters have been added to the production facility.
Last year, CWC completed a 10,000sq.ft factory extension, enabling the company to expand its inventory and add the Mitas tyre range to its portfolio. The investment positions the firm to meet growing demand as well as enhancing its reputation for quality and reliability.
While Hoyland’s retirement marks the end of an era, it also heralds a new chapter for the company’s management team, now led by Dom Harding supported by Harry Bradley and Jordan Williams. Building on Hoyland’s legacy they have ambitious plans to elevate the CWC and SM Pro brands in the UK and international markets.
Central Wheels’ owner, Warren Harding said: “Richard has been an exceptionally loyal servant over the past 16 years, and his retirement will leave a big gap. Having known him for nearly 40 years, he was already a good friend before joining CWC. He has helped me guide the business through both good and bad times and was always willing to take on those tasks that everyone else likes to leave. He is popular with the workforce, and he will be missed. I would personally like to thank Richard for his many years of service and wish him well in his retirement.”