To celebrate 85 years of developing trailblazing products for global markets, directors and staff from Sheffield-based pneumatics expert PCL got on their bikes to raise over £3,000 and counting for the NSPCC. 

The challenge was to cycle a 500km relay in just 90 minutes and the team clocked up an impressive 609km within the timeframe – more than tripling their initial fundraising target of £1,000 in the process.

So far, the JustGiving page has raised £3,755, with donations still coming in for the team’s celebratory ride for the UK’s leading children’s charity.

Team members put their success down to PCL’s newly launched Digital Bicycle Inflation Station, which helps increase efficiency and reduce tyre wear for users – and more importantly, keeps them safely on the road. The riders cycled smoothly through the lakeside laps at Rother Valley Country Park with tyres pumped up on the fantastic new bike inflation station. Developed in association with Sheffield Hallam University, this world-leading new product is designed to make cycling safer and more enjoyable for all riders, from the novice to the experienced or professional cyclist.

PCL employess checking their bikes with the Bicycle Inflation Station PCL employees checking their bike with the Bicycle Inflation Station

PCL employee's checking their bike tyres with the Bicycle Inflaiton Station


The inflation station is available as free vend or with card payment facilities for revenue generation. As a paid air solution, the Bicycle Inflation Station is ideal for facilities managers to install at bicycle hire venues, visitor centres and in public outdoor areas such as parks, railway stations, supermarkets and shopping centres. This advancement into the leisure market underlines PCL’s expertise in manufacturing ground-breaking equipment for a wide range of markets, from automotive to aviation. 

The company has come a long way since it was founded in 1938, when the very first pressure gauges were designed and manufactured in Sheffield. Since then, PCL has experienced phenomenal growth, joining the HORNGROUP of companies, along with the TECALEMIT brand in 2011.

Today PCL is recognised as the global leader in the design and manufacture of the most advanced and comprehensive portfolio of tyre inflation and compressed air products on the market.

Famed as a trusted "Made in Sheffield" brand, PCL remains committed to its Yorkshire roots and to UK manufacturing. Therefore a charity event incorporating the UK’s first ever air tower for bike tyres was a fitting tribute to PCL’s 85 years of success in leading the way with innovative products for new markets. 

PCL Managing Director, Lee Wright, said: “We are over the moon to have smashed our target, with funds still coming in. I would like to say a huge thank you to our partners for their support at this unique event and for the many generous donations to the NSPCC. Also, thank you and congratulations to our intrepid cyclists who tackled the relay with such energy and enthusiasm.

“Every pound raised will go toward the charity’s fight to protect children and prevent abuse, reaching millions of those in need. We feel both proud and privileged to have been able to contribute to this cause, whilst celebrating PCL’s ability to develop innovative new products like the Digital Bicycle Inflation Station.

“As a leading provider of tyre inflation equipment, we are passionate about providing solutions that help keep people safe on the road and raising awareness around the benefits of accurate tyre inflation. Not only is the Bicycle Inflation Station a terrific convenience and maintenance aid for cyclists; it’s a great addition for infrastructure providers as a method of encouraging cycling and environmentally conscious transportation. Meanwhile the contactless pay air variant can be a tremendous revenue driver for facility managers and landowners looking to improve profitability and footfall at their location.”

Lee concluded: “This has been an extremely rewarding way to celebrate our 85th anniversary and take pride in the ongoing hard work and dedication of the colleagues who make up the wonderful PCL family.”

If you would like to donate, you can do so on our JustGiving page. Every donation made, however small, is much appreciated.