HD Sports Partners with Plating Solutions to Remain at Leading Edge of Ice Skate Manufacturing

The company produces brands used by Olympic and World champions.

Hd Sports Blade 02
HD Sports

A figure skating blade manufacturer has increased production capacity by 30% and growth by 135% after completing a digital transformation program supported by an internationally renowned plating consultancy. 

HD Sports produces John Wilson and MK Blades, two major brands used by the sport's best, including Olympic and World champions.

From its plant in Sheffield, which traces its roots back to a 17th-century Royal toolmaker, it manufactures blades from 1075 carbon steel before coating them in nickel to apply shine and chromium for corrosion protection.

The company has completed a six-year electroplating production transformation program with the support of Plating Solutions, which Radcliffe-based BEP Surface Technology recently acquired.

The project optimized the plant design, introduced automation and data-led decision-making and improved the chemistry of metal plating.

Hd Sports Blade 01HD Sports

The wide-ranging impacts include contemporary safety standards, enhanced overall efficiency, increased productivity, improved product quality and consistency, reduced operational costs and increased profitability.

Production capacity has increased by 30%, with the ability to scale a further 13%.

HD Sports carried out further upgrades, including power supplies, heating systems and water processes, improving resource efficiency and substantial cost savings while accelerating HD Sports’ net zero journey.

The new plating process has enabled HD Sports’ to grow by 135% since the start of the project, including 33% growth in China, the second-largest market behind the U.S. Even in the UK, sales have increased, boosted by the popularity of ITV show Dancing On Ice.

Plating Solutions is a specialized metal finishing plant design and equipment consultancy launched 20 years ago by industry luminary John Torr, who continues to provide the support HD Sports needs to maintain and upgrade its plating processes, especially as the global demand for skate blades increases.

Hd Sports Plating 01HD Sports

With the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships and 2026 Winter Olympics around the corner, HD Sports is keen to continue improving what it does best and keeping its competitive edge. 

"HD Sports allowed Plating Solutions to implement best practices, using the highest-quality plating chemicals along with a regime of continuous testing and refinement," Torr said. "Working with a client who understands the value of quality and the consistency of approach is a genuine joy. The fact that the manufacturing is undertaken in the UK simply adds to the pride we all have in HD Sports' success.”

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