In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we have featured Reich Drive Systems UK Limited as our Coupling Company of the Year.
Initially founded in Bochum Germany over 80 years ago, Reich is a world leading, international manufacturer of high quality and high-performance torsionally flexible couplings that are used across a wide range of power transmission applications. Incorporated in 2014, Reich UK builds on this expertise and was established to provide focused support to the UK and Irish markets and to ensure that Reich’s technical know-how and expertise are applied to the right industries.
Reich UK supplies highly engineered flexible coupling solutions for demanding applications, including power generation and other industrial markets. Produced with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, Reich offers a comprehensive range of torsionally flexible couplings and drive technology including highly flexible couplings, flexible couplings and torsionally rigid couplings.
All power transmission elements are manufactured within its state-of-the-art production facilities, and a key feature of Reich Coupling Technology is this in-house development and manufacture of its elastomeric elements. This, coupled with the company’s in-house test benches and inspection facilities, ensures that all Reich couplings are relied on globally by Blue Chip companies and smaller OEMs alike.
Alongside the products themselves, however, its customer’s benefit from application knowledge, technical support and after-sales service, helping them select and maintain the right solution for their equipment. Reich UK prides itself on its sector knowledge and the array of industries the company works with testament to the power of its expert advice and commitment to building mutually beneficial partnerships.
Based in Stockport, Reich UK team is led by Director David Proud, who has over 25 years’ experience in the world of mechanical power transmission and has overseen the company’s evolution from a business focused primarily on supplying a highly engineered product, into an established, customer-focused operation with a stronger presence in the markets it serves.
A key driver in this growth has been Reich’s focus on understanding its customers’ applications and providing the right engineering solution rather than simply competing on price. Reich’s customers operate in sectors where reliability, product quality and dependable delivery are critical, and this is where Reich adds real value.
“I believe our biggest differentiator is that we are not simply selling a coupling; we are providing an engineered solution backed by the knowledge and experience of the Reich Group.” He says, “We aim to understand the application, work with the customer and provide a solution that is right for the equipment, rather than trying to win business purely on cost alone.”
Understanding clients’ needs is central to the company’s success, but this is also met with a bevy of high-quality, innovative engineered products. For example, FL-SP is a flange coupling that has been developed especially for hydrostatic pump drives for the connection of internal combustion engines to hydraulic pumps.
This cutting-edge coupling is the company’s latest offering in the UK and allows for sub critical operation through high torsional stiffness and high torque transmission capacity. Its innovative design means the product is compact, robust and high operational reliability without major assembly effort or excessive maintenance.
Reich UK recognises that product quality alone is not enough, however. Customers need clear communication, reliable delivery and support when they need it, and the company has continued to strengthen its position across these areas this past year.
As the sole supplier of Reich’s innovative products in the UK and Ireland, Reich UK offers clients the unique chance to forge a direct partnership with one of the world’s leading coupler manufacturers. A stalwart proponent of the company’s famed Designed to Customer Principle (D2C), Reich UK creates customised, high-quality and long-lasting power transmission products in close co-operation with clients.
2026 also saw a significant operational development with the addition of a second warehouse, and a third planned for 2027. This is a practical investment, enabling Reich to increase the amount of stock held in the UK, improve availability and reduce the impact of manufacturing lead times where possible.
“As our customer base and order requirements have grown, ensuring that we can deliver the right products at the right time has become increasingly important.” says David, “We have addressed this not only; with additional warehousing, but by working closely with our manufacturing colleagues in Germany and improving forward planning where possible.”
Alongside the increased domestic warehouse capacity, Reich has also crucially invested time and effort in developing its marketing, strengthening industry connections and improving visibility among potential customers. These developments are helping us build a stronger platform for sustainable growth.
These factors combined have helped Reich UK build a stronger platform for sustainable growth and the investments are already paying off. Since 2012, Reich UK’s turnover has increased fourfold, helping the company grow into a recognised supplier across the UK and Irish markets
This growth also reflects the strength of Reich UK’s customer relationships, the quality of its products and the hard work of its domestic team in forgiving new relationships in the industry and building trust over several years, “I think it is important to recognise that our growth has been built over time.” David told us, “We have not tried to become the biggest supplier by competing purely on price; instead, we have concentrated on building relationships, understanding applications and providing products and services that customers can rely on.”
As Reich UK continues to develop, its ambition is to continue growing the business in a controlled and sustainable way, building on the progress the company has made over recent years. Alongside the new warehouse slated for 2027, there will also be renewed focus on outreach and connecting with new partners across various industrial sectors.
Part of this ongoing outreach programme is an exhibit at PowerEx Live London on the 10th December 2026. Situated at Stand 33, Reich UK will be in attendance to answer specific enquiries and to give first-hand demonstrations of its solutions, widening its reach for new business and strengthening existing partnerships alike.
A key priority going forward, is to develop existing customer relationships while winning new business in markets where its engineering expertise and product range offer a clear advantage, as well as considering how sustainability will increasingly influence Reich UK’s own operations and customer expectations with its own Sustainability Report currently in development.
Reich UK operates in a competitive market where lower-cost alternatives can put pressure on pricing, so for David, the company’s longer-term goal is to demonstrate how it adds value beyond products and maintains its own high standards, “I want Reich Drive Systems UK to become an increasingly recognised name in the UK and Irish markets, known for quality, reliability, technical support and customer service.” He says, “Growth is important, but it needs to be supported by the right people, systems, stock and manufacturing capacity so that we maintain the standards our customers expect.”
We asked David what it meant to Reich UK to receive this award, “It’s a fantastic achievement for Reich Drive Systems UK, and one that I am incredibly proud of.” He explains, “It is recognition of the hard work, commitment and progress made by the whole team in building the business into what it is today.”
“For me, the recognition goes beyond the financial results. It reflects the relationships we have built with our customers, our commitment to engineering quality and reliability, and the personal service we strive to provide.”
Reich’s products are designed for demanding applications where reliability and performance matter. It combines the engineering and manufacturing expertise of the German parent company with the accessibility, customer relationships and practical support of a UK-based operation.
It is this special relationship between innovative and high-quality products, and outstanding, multi-armed customer support which makes Reich UK stand out. Its dedication to building true partnerships with its clients are rapidly making Reich UK a leading voice in coupling solutions across the country and setting foundations for a bright and collaborative future.
For more on Reich Drive Systems UK, please see below:
T +44 (0)1617 144191
info@reich-uk.com
www.reich-uk.com