A tensioner device for creating a target tension in a belt, the tensioner device comprising: a base; a damping assembly associated with the base and configured to rotate relative thereto; a biasing element comprising a torsion spring exhibiting a measured stiffness and having a first portion defined by a first end of the torsion spring, wherein the first end is connected to the base, and a second portion defined by a second end of the torsion spring, the biasing element having a hollow center; an engagement member for engaging the belt, the engagement member associated with the damping assembly for movement therewith and angularly displaceable relative to the base and the biasing element about a lever arm axis R-R to tension the belt; and an arm connecting the damping assembly and the engagement member and defining a range of the angular displacement of the engagement member characterized in that the second end is welded to the damping assembly, and in that the damping assembly comprises: an insert adapted to receive the biasing element and defining a biasing element receiving portion to which the second portion of the biasing element is welded, the insert having an insert base and a first opening to allow for introduction of other components of the tensioner device therethrough; and a shoe for receiving the insert, the shoe defining an insert receiving portion that is adapted to receive the insert, wherein the insert base is received into the insert receiving portion, and the insert base is secured in the insert receiving portion, the shoe having a second opening to allow for introduction of other components of the tensioner device therethrough, wherein the hollow center of the biasing element and the first and second openings (134, 133) are all aligned with one another and positioned along the lever axis R-R; wherein the arm connects the shoe and the engagement member, wherein the shoe defines an interface between the insert and the arm; wherein the biasing element is welded to the damping assembly at a position determined by the measured stiffness to define a value of the angular displacement of the engagement member relative to the biasing element and create the target tension in the belt. a base; a damping assembly associated with the base and configured to rotate relative thereto; a biasing element comprising a torsion spring exhibiting a measured stiffness and having a first portion defined by a first end of the torsion spring, wherein the first end is connected to the base, and a second portion defined by a second end of the torsion spring, the biasing element having a hollow center; an engagement member for engaging the belt, the engagement member associated with the damping assembly for movement therewith and angularly displaceable relative to the base and the biasing element about a lever arm axis R-R to tension the belt; and an arm connecting the damping assembly and the engagement member and defining a range of the angular displacement of the engagement member characterized in that the second end is welded to the damping assembly, and in that the damping assembly comprises: an insert adapted to receive the biasing element and defining a biasing element receiving portion to which the second portion of the biasing element is welded, the insert having an insert base and a first opening to allow for introduction of other components of the tensioner device therethrough; and a shoe for receiving the insert, the shoe defining an insert receiving portion that is adapted to receive the insert, wherein the insert base is received into the insert receiving portion, and the insert base is secured in the insert receiving portion, the shoe having a second opening to allow for introduction of other components of the tensioner device therethrough, wherein the hollow center of the biasing element and the first and second openings (134, 133) are all aligned with one another and positioned along the lever axis R-R; an insert adapted to receive the biasing element and defining a biasing element receiving portion to which the second portion of the biasing element is welded, the insert having an insert base and a first opening to allow for introduction of other components of the tensioner device therethrough; and a shoe for receiving the insert, the shoe defining an insert receiving portion that is adapted to receive the insert, wherein the insert base is received into the insert receiving portion, and the insert base is secured in the insert receiving portion, the shoe having a second opening to allow for introduction of other components of the tensioner device therethrough, wherein the hollow center of the biasing element and the first and second openings (134, 133) are all aligned with one another and positioned along the lever axis R-R; wherein the arm connects the shoe and the engagement member, wherein the shoe defines an interface between the insert and the arm; wherein the biasing element is welded to the damping assembly at a position determined by the measured stiffness to define a value of the angular displacement of the engagement member relative to the biasing element and create the target tension in the belt.