Wilks
Wilks is a UK-based manufacturer of PVC and aluminium marine fendering profiles, serving global OEM boat builders and retail boat owners with custom and standard extrusion solutions, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flexiteek International Ltd. since 2019.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersTollesbury, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Wilks does
Wilks is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of marine fendering and protective trim systems, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flexiteek International Ltd. following its 2019 acquisition by Flexiteek International AB. Founded in 1973 in Tollesbury, Essex, the company produces PVC and aluminium extrusion profiles — including the Click concealed-fixing system, ALI aluminium range, D, U, and B profiles, BUMP!, and Rigid PVC — designed to protect boat hulls, pontoons, and docks from impact damage. It serves two primary customer segments: OEM boat builders (Princess Yachts, De Antonio, Parker, Askeladden, Gulf Craft, Jeanneau) for whom it co-develops custom profiles, and retail boat owners purchasing direct via the wilks.co.uk e-commerce storefront, with secondary applications in equestrian and shopfitting markets.
The business operates from a single UK production facility housing an in-house toolroom with an archive of over 1,500 extrusion dies, enabling custom profile development with an average eight-week lead time. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales priced per unit length, with standard profiles from approximately £0.83 ex. VAT and custom/OEM orders priced on application subject to minimum order quantities (e.g., 80 metres for Click 150). Distribution combines direct e-commerce (UK delivery within 5 working days), a pan-European distributor network spanning 10+ countries, and direct OEM supply. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, an EcoVadis sustainability rating, and was awarded the 2023 British Marine 'Excellence in Exporting Award'. Wilks maintains marketing presence through social media, blog content, fitting guides, and trade show participation at Metstrade and Boot Düsseldorf on parent Flexiteek stands. The legal entity was renamed from 'Wilks (Rubber Plastics) Mfgs Co Ltd.' to 'Flexiteek International Ltd.' in 2023.
Wilks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wilks
- Legal name
- Flexiteek International Ltd.
- Website
- https://wilks.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Wilks is a UK-based manufacturer of PVC and aluminium marine fendering profiles, serving global OEM boat builders and retail boat owners with custom and standard extrusion solutions, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flexiteek International Ltd. since 2019.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wilks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Fendering / Boat Accessories
- NAICS
- Ship and Boat Building (33661)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Docking & Berthing Systems (Fenders, Bollards, Mooring, Gangways) (IMAJALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Deck Fittings & Hardware (Bitts, Fairleads, Cleats, Anchors & Chains) (IMAJAIAK), Marine Parts, Accessories & Maintenance Supplies Retail (CRAMAIAB)
Keywords
Where Wilks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tollesbury
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Wilks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Marine Fendering Products: Sale of fendering profiles including Click, Ali (aluminium), D Profiles, U Profiles, B Profiles, BUMP!, and Rigid PVC. Sold in various lengths (1m to 30m) with unit pricing per length.
- Fendering Accessories: Sale of complementary accessories including end caps (stainless steel), fixing strips, inserts, plugging/cord, and edging trims.
- OEM/Contract Manufacturing: Custom profile development and manufacturing for boat builders, working directly with manufacturers on bespoke solutions with minimum order quantities.
- Industrial/Non-Marine Applications: Sale of fendering profiles for equestrian (stable wall protection, horsebox rub rails) and shopfitting (wall protection, corner guards, handrails, floor seals) applications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard retail pricing for marine fendering profiles |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | OEM/Boat Builder minimum order products |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Wilks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wilks manufactures and supplies marine fendering profiles (rub rails, D/B/U profiles, pontoon fendering) and buffer systems via PVC and aluminium extrusion from its UK facility. The portfolio spans concealed-fixing Click systems, ALI aluminium profiles, BUMP!, D/U/B profiles, Rigid PVC, plus complementary accessories, and is sold both direct to retail boat owners via e-commerce and direct to OEM boat builders for custom profile integration. Non-marine variants address equestrian (stable protection, horsebox rub rails) and shopfitting (wall/corner protection, crash guards) applications.
Product overview
Wilks is a manufacturer of marine fendering and protective trim products, operating as a trading style of Flexiteek International Ltd. The product portfolio centers on marine fendering solutions including Click (concealed-fixing), ALI/Aluminium, BUMP!, D Profiles, U Profiles, B Profiles, and Rigid PVC systems, complemented by pontoon fendering, accessories (end caps, inserts, fixing strips), and non-marine applications in equestrian and shopfitting sectors. The company produces over 93 products across these ranges, all manufactured in Essex, UK since 1973, serving both retail boat owners and OEM boat builders globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Click Fendering: Concealed-fixing system designed for leisure boats providing quick, clean installation without visible fixings. Available in four sizes (38mm to 150mm).
- ALI (Aluminium) Fendering
- BUMP! Fendering
- Traditional Range
Products and services
- Click Fendering Range Concealed-fixing marine fendering system for leisure boats with no visible fixings, available in four sizes (38mm, 50mm, 80mm, 150mm) made from UV-stabilised PVC. Designed for boat owners and OEMs wanting a clean, sleek aesthetic and quick installation.
- ALI (Aluminium) Fendering Range Aluminium hull protection profiles with flexible PVC insert, available in seven sizes (22mm to 83mm base width) with anodised aluminium for corrosion resistance. Combines elegant finish with high durability for boat owners and OEM builders.
- BUMP! Fendering Range Durable fendering system with hidden fixings, available in 53mm and 65mm sizes, in black, white, and traditional wood-look factory finish. Manufactured from UV-stabilised, phthalate-free PVC compound for leisure boat hull protection.
- D Profile Fendering Heavy-duty D-shaped fendering profiles providing high-level impact protection for boats, pontoons, docks and busy marine environments. One of Wilks' largest ranges, suitable for high-contact areas, and also deployed as anti-cast strips in equestrian applications.
- U Profile Fendering Profiles designed to fit over flange-style hull joins to cover vulnerable areas, available in a wide array of shapes to accommodate different rivet or bolt configurations on flanges. Used by boat owners and OEM builders for hull join coverage.
- B Profile Fendering Alternative visual style to D profile fenders offering strong impact absorption with design variety while maintaining durability for demanding marine environments, used on Jeanneau boats among others.
- Rigid PVC Fendering Classic alternative to aluminium fendering that can be heated to accommodate curves such as downward gunwale curves toward bathing platforms. Available with PVC or stainless steel inserts.
- Pontoon Fendering Profiles designed for ease of installation on pontoons and docks, providing lasting protection over wood with minimal maintenance. Suitable for individual berths through to entire marina complexes.
- Traditional Range Fendering PVC profiles with factory finish producing an attractive woodgrain effect, capturing the beauty of wood while removing maintenance requirements. Positioned as the ultimate alternative to wood for classic and traditional-style boats.
- Fendering Accessories End caps (including stainless steel), edging trims, fixing strips, inserts, and plugging/cord products that complement Wilks fendering profiles for finishing and reinforced mounting.
- Equestrian Fendering Protective rub rails and end caps for equestrian studs, stables and horsebox manufacturers, with D profiles acting as anti-cast strips to help horses regain balance. Trusted by customers including Shadwell Stud.
- Shopfitting Fendering Bumper systems for wall protection, crash guards, corner guards, handrails, floor seals and loading bay buffers in retail and commercial environments. Includes 30mm, 50mm, 52mm, and 922/F ranges, with deployment at customers such as Sainsbury's Beckton.
- Custom OEM Profile Development and Manufacturing Bespoke profile design, tooling and contract manufacturing for boat builders, working directly with manufacturers from product inception through to manufacturing with minimum order quantities. Supplied to OEMs including Princess Yachts, De Antonio, Parker, Askeladden, Gulf Craft, Jeanneau, and Hushcraft.
Companies that use Wilks
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Wilks technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Wilks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.
- Flexiteek International Ltd.coreFlexiteek International AB acquired Wilks in 2019. The Wilks company name changed in 2023 from 'Wilks (Rubber Plastics) Mfgs Co Ltd.' to 'Flexiteek International Ltd.' Wilks continues as a trading brand within the Flexiteek Group of companies.
- Baitra S.L (Spain)coreRegional distributor for Spain. Located at Montes da Barxa, 6 P.I. Porto do Molle, 36350, Nigrán. Contact: Juan Carlos González, +34 986 354 000.
- Oktogon CroatiacoreRegional distributor for Croatia. Located at Domovinskog rata 10, 23000 Zadar. Contact: Ivan Prendja, +385 095 35 35 007.
- Strootranden.nl (Netherlands)coreRegional distributor for the Netherlands. Located at Bothniakade 26-27, 8601 BM Sneek. Contact: Henk-Jan Westers, 0515 – 416741.
- Flexiteek FinlandcoreRegional distributor for Finland. Located at Peuramäenkuja 3 B 3, 02750 Espoo. Contact: Juha Hynnä, +358 400 724068.
- Chantier Naval des Venetes (France)coreRegional distributor for France. Located at ZA Du Lesty, 56190 Ambon. Contact: Pascal Masson, +33 (0)9 74 53 34 26.
- Profillageret ApS (Denmark)coreRegional distributor for Denmark. Located at Aadalsvej 5, Gravens, DK-6040 Egtved. Contact: Mads Lundager, +45 70500365.
- Oktogon SloveniaregionalRegional distributor for Slovenia under the Oktogon partnership.
- Oktogon MontenegroregionalRegional distributor for Montenegro under the Oktogon partnership.
- Oktogon SerbiaregionalRegional distributor for Serbia under the Oktogon partnership.
- World Land Trust (WLT)minorFlexiteek Group partnership with WLT, an international conservation charity protecting threatened habitats. For every 10m² of Flexiteek sold, donation made to fund reforestation through WLT's Plant A Tree programme. Supports partners in Brazil, India and Armenia, with over 44 acres planted so far.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Wilks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure: Global manufacturer of marine fendering systems, dock seals, and vessel performance solutions serving ports, shipyards, and boat builders. Directly competes with Wilks in marine fendering profiles and is the largest incumbent in the category.
Direct peers
- Polyform US: Manufacturer of inflatable marine buoys, fenders, and PVC-based boat protection products. Directly comparable product platform (PVC-based boat protection), sold through marine retail and OEM channels like Wilks.
- Taylor Made Products: Long-established US manufacturer of marine accessories including fenders, dock edging, rub rail, and boat care products. Competes with Wilks in OEM and retail channels for boat protection and dock edging profiles.
- Dock Edge + Dock Pro: Manufacturer and distributor of dock edging, bumpers, fenders, and marina accessories. Directly overlaps with Wilks' pontoon and dock fendering lines in both product and distribution.
- Taco Marine: OEM supplier of marine hardware, rub rail, and finishing components to boat builders. Closely comparable to Wilks' OEM-embedded model with custom profile extrusion serving the same customer base.
Others
- Flexiteek International: Parent company of Wilks and a leading manufacturer of synthetic marine decking. While not a direct competitor in fendering, Flexiteek's brand and global distribution channel are tightly coupled with Wilks' commercial strategy.
Regional players
- ShoreMaster: US-based manufacturer of aluminum dock systems, marina equipment, and waterfront structures. Comparable in marina/pontoon end-market, with overlapping customer base (marina operators) for fendering and dock protection products.
Emerging players
- Megaware KeelGuard: Manufacturer of keel and hull protection products for boats using polymer extrusion technology. Adjacent product category with similar OEM and retrofit distribution model to Wilks' boat-owners channel.
Market position
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Wilks social profiles
Digital presenceWilks compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Wilks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wilks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Wilks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wilks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wilks
What does Wilks do?
Wilks manufactures and supplies marine fendering profiles (rub rails, D/B/U profiles, pontoon fendering) and buffer systems via PVC and aluminium extrusion from its UK facility. The portfolio spans concealed-fixing Click systems, ALI aluminium profiles, BUMP!, D/U/B profiles, Rigid PVC, plus complementary accessories, and is sold both direct to retail boat owners via e-commerce and direct to OEM boat builders for custom profile integration. Non-marine variants address equestrian (stable protection, horsebox rub rails) and shopfitting (wall/corner protection, crash guards) applications.
Is Wilks a public or private company?
Wilks is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Wilks founded?
Wilks was founded in 1973. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Wilks based?
Wilks is headquartered in Tollesbury, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Wilks make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Marine Fendering Products are the primary driver. The others are fendering Accessories, OEM/Contract Manufacturing and industrial/Non-Marine Applications.
Who are Wilks's main competitors?
Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Polyform US, Taylor Made Products, Dock Edge + Dock Pro and Taco Marine. Flexiteek International is listed as an others. ShoreMaster is listed as a regional player. Megaware KeelGuard is listed as an emerging player.
Does Wilks have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wilks.
What industry is Wilks in?
Wilks's product category is Marine Fendering / Boat Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJALAC, Docking & Berthing Systems (Fenders, Bollards, Mooring, Gangways), with a secondary code of IMAJAIAK, Deck Fittings & Hardware (Bitts, Fairleads, Cleats, Anchors & Chains). Its NAICS code is 33661 and its SIC code is 3730.