Brooks Forgings Ltd is proud to have supported the refurbishment and operation of the historic Allington Lock in Kent.

As part of a project to improve the lock’s infrastructure and reliability, Brooks Forgings was commissioned by the lead contractor to manufacture four specialist anchor collars. These collars are designed to secure the lock gates in position and act as the primary upper pivot point.

The project demonstrates Brooks Forgings’ extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities, from initial machining through to complex hot forming processes.

To achieve the specific geometry required for the anchor collars, the production team used a multi-stage approach.

Machining

The process began with the production of high-precision preforms from S355 material.

Each preform incorporated an M39 x 365mm thread length on both ends to match the original specification.

Hot bending

Using controlled heating processes and bespoke tooling, the collars were hot-bent into the required U-shape.

This process had to achieve a precise bend radius of 172.5mm and an overall centre-to-centre leg distance of 345mm, with a tolerance of ±2mm.

The success of the project relied on the expertise of Brooks Forgings’ specialist engineers and the use of bespoke tooling to maintain exact tolerances throughout the bending process.

This ensured each collar provided the required structural integrity for the lock gate assembly.

By applying its advanced hot bending and machining expertise, Brooks Forgings continues to play a key role in critical waterway and infrastructure projects across the UK.

The company is pleased to have contributed to the longevity and safe operation of Allington Lock and welcomes future enquiries for similar projects.