Posted to News on 2nd Jun 2025, 12:00
Drive Lines Technologies celebrates 40 Years
Bedfordshire-based mechanical power transmission specialist Drive Lines Technologies is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1985, the company has spent four decades representing leading international component manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. To mark this significant milestone, Drive Lines has unveiled a brand-new website to better support its customers.
Drive Lines Technologies was launched in 1985 by Bob Clark, who had previously worked for a number of years in the mechanical power transmission industry, after initially training as a marine engineer.
A fluent German speaker, Bob attracted several German manufacturers to entrust Drive Lines to distribute their products in the UK and Ireland. The company was incorporated in 1992 and moved into a business premises in Bedford. Steady growth followed allowing Drive Lines to employ experienced sales engineers and support staff, laying the foundation for long-term success.
In 2002, Drive Lines' quality management system was certified to ISO 9001 standard, reinforcing its commitment to excellent service.
Ian Carr joined Drive Lines in 2008 and would later go on to acquire a stake in the company, taking over as Managing Director in 2015 following Bob Clark's retirement.
In 2023, the decision was made to sell Drive Lines to RARUK Holdings, to safeguard the future of the business and staff. Darren Reynolds and Luke Barnett subsequently became Directors of Drive Lines. The company relocated to new joint premises in Shefford, Bedfordshire - joining sister companies R. A. Rodriguez (UK) and RARUK Automation.
Ian Carr began his semi-retirement in 2024 and will fully retire in July 2025. Matt Jones, who has been with Drive Lines since 2010, has stepped into the role of Sales Director.
Drive Lines continues to thrive under the new ownership, with new staff and many exciting customer projects in a range of industries including canals and river levelling, flood defence, aerospace, marine, machine building, motorsport, automation and industrial equipment.
To support its continued growth, Drive Lines has launched a redesigned website, in its 40th year, packed with technical content, CAD downloads and comprehensive product information - empowering engineers to find the right solution quickly and efficiently.
Looking ahead, Drive Lines remains dedicated to innovation, customer service and engineering excellence. The company plans to build on its legacy while continuing to support a wide range of industrial applications across the UK and Ireland.
