Based in the heart of Gloucestershire, and part of the group of companies fronted by scene legends, Forge Motorsport, Silicon Hoses really is a company that does what it says on the tin

Words and Pictures:  Paul Cowland

In a dog-eat-dog industry, and particularly during these trying economic times, it’s always refreshing to be able to write a story about a company that is going from strength to strength. Silicon Hoses (SH) is one such lucky outfit, although, when you discover the work, effort and imagination that went into its formation, you’ll understand that luck never really came into it. This is a good, old-fashioned story of making something that people really want, getting it to the market in good time and at the right price.

The story all starts with sister company, Forge Motorsport. Back in the early noughties, this hugely respected band of alloy artisans was ordering silicone hoses at a rate of knots to satisfy the demand for coupling-up everything from dump valves and intakes, through to radiators and intercoolers. At this time, Forge was relying on well-known third party suppliers to furnish its demand, but when it became clear that Forge’s burgeoning clientele were simply ordering way more product than these external contractors could cope with, a cunning plan was born. Having extensive knowledge of the type of quality and consistency that was required, Forge took the sensible decision to create its own in-house hose division and in doing so, become master of its own destiny. Thus, in 2005, Siliconhoses.com Ltd was born.

The first job was to get a knowledgeable front-man. This was easily achieved by head-hunting leading siliconologist, Geoff Nurton. Well-known throughout the industry as the man who created the tuning and performance range for another very well-known silicone hose company, Geoff’s involvement was to ensure that SH was able to hit its quality markers from day one. Geoff started with the world’s most famous engine test facility manufacturer, before going on to run his own aircraft engine test facility company. And believe me.. that’s one industry which simply doesn’t ‘do’ failure. With 40 years’ experience under his belt, 15 of which were working with silicone, Geoff was the ideal expert to head up the SH team.

Contact

SILICON HOSES
www.siliconhoses.com
Tel: 01452 304862

To read more about Silicon Hoses see the February 2012 issue of Total BMW.

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