County Durham-based GT Emissions Systems (www.gtesys.co.uk) is on course for a major production milestone, with more than three million of its exhaust valve systems in operation around the world.

The firm is gearing up for further growth in production in 2018, and it expects to dispatch over 500,000 engine air valves from its Peterlee headquarters.

It manufactures exhaust gas control systems for on- and off-highway vehicles, construction equipment and industrial and marine applications.

These systems positively contribute to diesel engine manufacturers’ emission strategies and comply with the latest international emission targets.

This growth in production has been supported by GT’s integration into the global Knorr-Bremse Group, following its acquisition in 2016.

Designated as Knorr-Bremse’s global Center of Competence (CoC) for engine air products, the UK operation is also delivering emission systems to other Knorr-Bremse Group companies around the world.

It is also providing validation, development and testing services for other valve systems developed by Knorr-Bremse divisions.

Knowledge transfer is being handled by GT, with exchange programmes regularly taking place between GT and global Knorr-Bremse engineering teams.

Keith Bendelow, managing director of GT and vice president of CoC, said: “The support of Knorr-Bremse has helped to significantly increase our production and position us as a global centre of excellence in the field of engine air management.”

Thorsten Seehars, member of the management board of Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems, said: “Emission reduction continues to be a key consideration for the transport industry.

“It is essential for OEMs that supply-chain partners like GT continually develop innovative solutions that minimise the environmental impact of industrial and off-highway vehicles, in line with evolving legislation.”