Foundation of MKE by Valentin Knot
Axles for agricultural trailers
Industrial brakes for agricultural tractors and fork lift trucks
MKE produces the “Messerschmitt cabin scooter“
Treadway was established (previously known as Importco). Est by Douglas Bill as Whangarei Importing Co. A wholesale division of bicycle and mower retailing family business.
Valentin Knott Junior takes over the management (current owner of the company)
Foundation of Autoflex by H.Szabo & his friend
Production plant in a house basement
Production area 48m2.
Imports from Asia and Europe prove popular and require larger premises and staff.
New Premises in Onerahi Whangarei and industrial and Road wheels, tyres and rims added to the range.
Investor from Netherlands, joint venture.
Investment: molding-, bending- and press machines
The plant outgrows the house basement therefore moves into a new place, 2 barns. Production area 1000m2.
New plant: construction in the Heliport- Technik- Park
Painting room in an Ikarus bus
Technical drawings, copied with ammonium chloride, stored on corridors
Shipping of the steel construction from Russia Production area: 5000m2
Partnership with Knott GmbH, foundation of Autoflex-Knott Ltd, joint-venture.
Entry ino the Western-European markets
Mounting axles with Knott brakes Beginning of a dynamic development
Global expansion: foundation of daughter companies and factories in the world
30th Anniversary of Autoflex 75th Anniversary of Knott GmbH
Whangarei importing co rebrands to Treadway Ltd and move into agricultural components to complement wheel assemblies. Proves successful.
Treadway secures German Knott Agency for trailer components and doubles the size of its bulk store.
Bulk store built to cater for increased wheel volume to manufacturers across all markets.
Treadway joined the journey with Knott Autoflex!
Treadway Factory Visit to Knott in 2016 & 2017
Selling on Knott products to Asia Pacific and continue to expand their range of products on the market
First shipment of Knott into Australia in 2016