When TRW realised that 2010 would be the year in which it would produce its 100 millionth brake pad, a product promotion was conceived to celebrate. And the prize needed to be big. It needed to reflect the support and loyalty that TRW’s customers have shown to the brand and the business over the years.
And the prize needed to be unique.
Now, if anyone already owns a golden replica of a brake pad then we are sorry – we have failed in our mission to provide you with the ultimate prize. You don’t? Oh good.
So, now all we had to do was to find a goldsmith who specialised in reproducing brake pads. But there aren’t too many of them around, so when we heard that a German company, Heimerle and Meule had been commissioned to make jewellery from the copper rivets of Lord Nelson’s Flagship, HMS Victory, we thought we would go and investigate.
Established in 1845 as a classical gold and silver refinery, Heimerle and Merle continue to extract pure metals from residues containing precious metals to specialise in the specific product areas of dental and jewellery. With its creative flair and reputation for materials and the design of bespoke pieces, the company was the obvious choice.
Accepting TRW’s challenge of producing a replica of brake pad reference: GDB1330, Goldsmiths Thomas Klinge, Juergen Wieneke and the rest of the team from the Pforzheim branch of the company set to work.
First of all, a fully detailed, technical drawing had to be made of the original brake pad.
From this drawing, a programme had to be developed for the milling machine.
The actual milling of the brake pad takes two days. The work of art then has to be cooled, finished, polished and engraved.
The whole production process – from concept art stage to engraving - takes in the region of four weeks.
There is still time to be in with a chance of winning the most valuable brake pad in the aftermarket.
Simply register your details at: www.100millionpads.com
Now all that remains is to find out….who the winner is!
The grand prize draw will take place at Automechanika on the opening day.
Date: Tuesday 14th September
Venue: TRW VIP room, Hall 2
Time: 4pm
The winner will be informed immediately and details communicated to the European trade press. Good luck!