Established over 140 years ago, Wikov Group stands as a venerable pillar in the gearbox manufacturing industry, celebrated for its advanced machinery and deep-seated expertise in mechanical engineering. The company distinguishes not only through its rich heritage but its exceptional ability to adapt—a quality rarely matched by even the most agile of modern startups.

Wikov’s responsiveness to market demands is exemplified by its approach to product customisation. While the industry sees a shift toward standardisation, Wikov remains committed to its roots in bespoke engineering, seamlessly integrating standard ‘catalogue gearboxes’ with custom modifications tailored to the client’s needs. A prime example is the use of a modular parallel shaft gearbox housing. In addition to conventional applications, it can also be used for demanding environments such as rotating machine test benches. And all of this offering is a no-compromise solution that upholds both quality and functionality.

The essence of Wikov’s engineering philosophy is to transfer the maximum power with the least mass of material. This is crucial for gearboxes where there’s a direct link between weight, material costs and energy consumption. By striving to produce the lightest possible gearbox that meets all functional and reliability requirements, Wikov balances efficiency with cost-effectiveness.

A notable achievement in Wikov’s pursuit of innovation came with the launch of its planetary helical gearbox used in tyre factories. The design dramatically reduced the gearbox’s weight to just 9.6 tonnes, while still enabling it to transfer an impressive 1.5 megawatts of power. Typically, a standard parallel shaft gearbox capable of handling the same amount of power weighs approximately 20 tonnes. Wikov’s gearboxes enhance both economic and spatial efficiency. Its efficiency and compact size haven’t gone unnoticed; one of the world’s top three tyre producers uses Wikov’s planetary helical gearboxes for their operations globally.

Such pioneering craftsmanship firmly positions Wikov as a leader in specialised markets, ranging from rail vehicles to turbomachinery—propelling the company to an impressive annual growth rate of 15 percent.

Last autumn, Wikov took a significant step in its global strategy by expanding into the North American market. This expansion was not merely geographical but strategic, filling a critical market gap and enhancing customer engagement across continents.

The successful establishment of a North American branch has resulted in increased customer satisfaction and a noticeable boost in market turnover, validating the leadership team’s forward-thinking approach and underscoring the importance of a responsive, global presence in today’s competitive landscape.

Martin Sychrovský, marketing director, emphasises the critical role of quality for Wikov to continually be seen as a leader in the gearbox market.

He says, “Quality is not an advantage; it’s a necessity. Adhering to global quality standards is paramount. At Wikov, our commitment is evident in the stringent quality assurance systems we implement across all our factories. Our application-specific knowledge and our team of experienced designers truly differentiate us in this ever-evolving industry.”

Testing is another crucial discipline in which the company excels. Over the past 20 years, it has invested heavily in state-of-the-art testing facilities. Every gearbox exposed to challenging operational conditions undergoes rigorous load testing before dispatch, instilling trust and reliability in Wikov’s products. This is particularly vital for gearboxes functioning in harsh industrial environments like mining, mineral processing, cement, and pulp and paper industries, where any possibility of failure is simply unacceptable.

Wikov remains committed to its roots in bespoke engineering, seamlessly integrating standard ‘catalogue gearboxes’ with custom modifications tailored to the client’s needs

Wikov, in alignment with the Green Deal, prioritises energy savings throughout the production processes. Investing in state-of-the-art, energy-efficient machinery and adopting advanced heat treatment methods, Wikov not only reduces its environmental footprint but boosts its manufacturing efficacy.

The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its contributions to the recycling sector, where it supplies sophisticated planetary gearboxes for waste material shredders. This initiative highlights the company’s role in advancing sustainable technologies. Seizing opportunities in the mineral processing sector—spurred by the rise in electric vehicle production and environmental initiatives—Wikov also designs gearboxes for wet grinding that minimise emissions, adhering to strict environmental standards and affirming its leadership in sustainable industrial innovation.

Wikov’s long-term focus is on other sustainable projects, such as developing gearboxes for tidal stream energy in the UK. This move highlights Wikov’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its ability to adapt and meet diverse market needs with innovative solutions.

With its extensive experience, state-of-the-art facilities and customer-centric approach, Wikov is well-equipped to address future challenges and maintain its leadership position in the gearbox industry.