What does a dog called Suba have to do with polyurethane suspension bushes? Polybush explains how its products save the automotive industry and the NHS money
Polybush has claimed that its polyurethane suspension bushes have the ability to last up to five times as long as rubber alternatives, reflecting on the humourous beginnings the brand had to inspire its products.
The company essentially started at a Wrexham factory where Suba picked up a piece of polyurethane elastomer which ended up being her favourite chew toy.
Overtime, her owner Roy noticed that the polyurethane was completely untarnished and free of bite marks and this triggered a series of events.
Roy, having worked closely with suspension bushings before, began to think “if only bushes were as tough as that polyurethane, they wouldn’t need to be changed so often.”
Easier to fit
He approached manufacturers Bonaprene Products LTD, and together they began to create polyurethane bushes that – Polybush claims – were not only easier to fit, but far longer lasting than their metalastic counterparts, with varying benefits depending on design.
Very quickly, demand increased and the creation of bushes became a large operation, with many types of bushes being distributed internationally, as far as Columbia, the Middle East, Africa and India.
Due to the business growing so quickly, Roy (and Suba) had to make the difficult decision between selling the business and cruising the Mediterranean in his yacht.
At this point Bonaprene took on the bush business in its entirety and Roy set sail to enjoy his retirement.
Bonaprene kept the division separate from its own industrial activities naming it “Polybush”.
The Polybush division has its own dedicated design, marketing, sales and administrative staff.
The business has continued to grow over the years and is proud to manufacture OE products that are supplied directly into many types of industry including commercial and retail.
Ideal material for suspension bushes
A company statement said: “Polyurethane is an ideal material for suspension bushes as it is a combination of high tensile strength and elasticity, which translates into immense durability even in the toughest conditions.
“As well as no perishability or wear, it will spring back into shape effortlessly to absorb huge levels of shock making for a more comfortable ride.
“They require no special tools for fitment, have four-five times longer life span than rubber bushes, and are generally easier to fit.
“Polybush has solved many issues within different markets ranging from MOT failures, to costly recurring replacements on large fleets.
Huge cost saving
“An example of a huge cost saving is a bush that was designed for the ambulance market.
“The bushes were suffering premature wear due to their intense usage, but the parts required were not available separately meaning a full ARB and spring replacement was needed on a regular basis.
“Polybush was able to design a bush that solved the problem of premature wear, fitted perfectly into the current ARBs, and decreased fitment time significantly.
“This change saved the NHS £700 per-vehicle in parts alone.”
For more information on Polybush, you can call 01978 664316, visit the website here, or even head over to their factory in Wrexham.
