Pneumatic Components Striking New Sculpture The Globe

World-leading tyre inflation expert PCL has paid tribute to its Sheffield roots and over three quarters of a century of UK manufacturing with a stunning new sculpture made from recycled scrap metal.

The Globe is the work of Huddersfield sculptor and former sheet metal worker Jason Heppenstall, whose remarkable HeppoArt work is featured in high profile locations such as the Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-Under-Lyne and Hull Docks.

The sculpture - commissioned by Countrywide Estates, who look after grounds maintenance at PCL’s Sheffield HQ – is based upon Area Manager Andrew Stacey’s brief, which was created in consultation with PCL.

“We wanted something that really captures PCL and its roots,” said Andrew. “Something completely different to greet visitors as they arrive, which illustrates the company’s heritage and global success. The Globe is exactly what we hoped for. Every time you look at it you see something different, and over the years, as its roots settle and it corrodes and gains colour through rust, it will look even more striking.”

The one metre diameter Globe has been moulded from PCL products throughout the years, all held together with metal tubes and fasteners from the factory. One of PCL’s traditional red analogue tyre inflators from the 1950s is fixed at the heart of the sphere, with various other models surrounding it, including the latest modern digital version. The Globe also features an outline of the UK, depicting the company’s commitment to British manufacturing, with Yorkshire picked out in brass as a humorous nod to the county’s dialect. It stands at around 6ft tall atop a metal post so that viewers can enjoy every aspect up close.

“I enjoyed working on this for PCL, using their products to construct a sculpture that tells the story of PCL’s journey from a traditional Yorkshire manufacturer to a global business, whilst remaining loyal to its county roots,” said Jason. “I used the old red analogue gauge to represent the heart and heritage of PCL, and forged curves around it to create an eye which shows the past but looks to the future. I’m really pleased with the result.”

Today, PCL is part of the HORNGROUP, and CEO, Torsten Kutschinski was impressed with the sculpture. He said “PCL has over 78 years of experience in developing sophisticated products to meet customer needs, and the trusted "Made in Sheffield" brand is a familiar name in petrol forecourts, tyre shops and engineering workshops throughout the world. The Globe represents everything PCL stands for, from its traditional roots in Sheffield to the world beyond and future success. We hope our visitors appreciate it as much as we do.”