From a press release issued by Triumph:

Six months after fire damaged their factory in Hinckley and following extensive trials to test all areas of manufacturing, Triumph are building motorcycles again.

Key production areas have been rearranged and these improvements combined with the latest technology, are enabling Triumph to produce bikes in the most advanced motorcycle factory in the world.

Triumph did not merely replace equipment which had been lost or damaged in the fire, but took the opportunity to relocate and upgrade many processes:

Most functions have more space allowing Triumph to optimise the layout for maximum production efficiency.

The chassis assembly line is completely new and includes numerous tooling and equipment upgrades, revised sub-assembly stations and several labour saving enhancements. Together these have increased Triumph’s efficiency and accuracy and have improved the ergonomics for employee work stations.

The chassis assembly area now has two rolling roads to test bikes at the end of the assembly line.

The relocation of engine component machining lines and the engine assembly line to Triumph’s second factory so that all engine manufacturing processes take place under one roof. Finished engines are then transported to Factory 1 for fitment to the chassis.

“All our staff are back at work and delighted to be doing what they do best – building motorcycles which are a superb symbol of British manufacturing throughout the world,” says Karl Wharton, Managing Director of Triumph Motorcycles.

Development of new motorcycles has continued apace throughout the rebuilding programme.

Triumph have unveiled their new 2003-model line-up, including the new Speedmaster model, at Intermot, the international trade fair in Munich. The company plans to launch other exciting new bikes in the near future.

“Worldwide support for the Triumph brand has been enormous during the rebuilding programme, which has been achieved in record time thanks to close-co-operation with our insurers, the efficiency of the contractors and the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff,” says Karl Wharton.

“It is a remarkable achievement to be back in production six months after the fire destroyed a third of our production facility. This is a testament to Triumph’s character. Our new facilities are fantastic and the future for Triumph is brighter than ever.”

Initially production will start at 25% of pre-fire levels, building up to 100% by Christmas.

“As part of the installation process we have bikes covering all models in the current Triumph range and it was a thrill for everyone involved when the first full production bike rolled off the line on September 17,” says Karl Wharton.

“Our sales and administration staff will be exceptionally busy over the next few months processing orders from our world-wide network of dealers. We will be building bikes for all markets to ensure a proportional supply of motorcycles to Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and, of course, our home market in the UK.”

Since March, Triumph have been in constant contact with their network of dealers at home and abroad, informing them about all the arrangements which have been made to ensure a continuous supply of parts, accessories and a warranty service throughout the reconstruction period. Additionally wherever possible motorcycle stock has been relocated between markets to meet retail orders.

“Our spare parts, accessories and clothing distribution operations were unaffected by the fire and have been supplying stock as usual to meet demand. We have also been able to build up stocks of components needed for production to resume this week,” adds Karl Wharton.

Triumph supply motorcycles, parts and accessories to over 25 different countries, including those in western Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and several markets in Latin America.