Lionweld Kennedy Flooring

What Lionweld Kennedy Flooring does

Lionweld Kennedy Flooring Limited is a UK-based manufacturer of industrial steel and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) access solutions, headquartered in Middlesbrough with a manufacturing heritage dating to 1910 and operating as a subsidiary of FTSE 250 Hill & Smith Holdings PLC since 2004. The company is the sole UK manufacturer of Safegrid open mesh steel grating (also known commercially as Flowforge) and produces a full portfolio of steel products (Safegrid, Safedeck, Safegrid Treads, Saferail) and GRP products (Flowgrate, Flowdeck, Flowtread, Flowgrip, Flowrail, GRP Structures), plus the LionGrip fixing system. Manufacturing processes include welding, fabrication, CNC tube bending, water jet CNC cutting, and grating shearing, with a 650-panel solar array generating 300mWh annually at the Middlesbrough facility.

The business serves six primary verticals: construction (stadiums, commercial buildings), data centres, energy (offshore wind, oil and gas, power generation), rail, utilities, and mining. Customers include named enterprises such as Network Rail, Siemens, Hitachi Rail, Manchester United, Manchester City, Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm, and leading UK and European data centre providers. The company holds the world's first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for steel grating, verified by BRE Global, and has achieved net-zero carbon 3 years ahead of its 2040 target.

Revenue is generated through a mix of hardware sales (standard stock and bespoke panels, stair treads, handrails), custom fabrication services, and full project management encompassing design, manufacturing, and installation. Channel distribution is multi-tier: direct sales to principal contractors and end-users, a stockist network, group company Redman Fisher in Ireland (market leader for 40+ years), and global export. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company operates sales-led and specification-driven motions, supported by NBS specification platform listings, RIBA-accredited CPD sessions, and TEKLA BIM file distribution to architects and specifiers at project inception.

Name

Lionweld Kennedy Flooring

Legal name

Lionweld Kennedy Flooring Limited

Website

https://lk-uk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1910

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lionweld Kennedy Flooring is a UK-based manufacturer of industrial steel and GRP access products, including open mesh grating, stair treads, handrails, and bespoke structures, serving construction, rail, energy, data centres, utilities, and mining sectors globally as a subsidiary of Hill & Smith Holdings PLC.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Steel and GRP Access Flooring and Handrail Systems

NAICS

Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors (238120)

akta.pro primary industry

Steel Grating, Catwalks & Safety Platforms (IMADACAI)

Keywords

• Steel access flooring
• GRP grating products
• Industrial handrail systems
• Stair treads and treads
• Fabricated access structures

Headquarters

HQ city

Middlesbrough

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Steel and GRP Product Sales: Lionweld Kennedy generates revenue primarily through the sale of manufactured steel and GRP access products. Products are sold as standard stock items to stockists and fabricators, and directly to contractors and end-users. The company offers supply-only, supply-and-install, or full project management engagement models.
2. Custom Fabrication Services: The company provides bespoke fabrication services creating shaped, cut, and finished steel and GRP products to exact project specifications. Fabrication categories range from standard panels through to complex custom fabrications for walkways, platforms, stepovers, staircases, and ladders.
3. Design, Manufacturing, and Installation Services: Full project management encompassing technical guidance, custom design, fabrication, and site installation of flooring, handrails, and stair treads. Services are offered as a complete end-to-end solution or as individual components depending on project requirements.
4. CPD and Specification Training: Lionweld Kennedy delivers CPD sessions titled 'Specifying Sustainable Steel Grating' to architects, specifiers, and construction professionals, providing in-depth knowledge on compliant and sustainable steel grating specification.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Lionweld Kennedy Flooring manufactures steel and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) access products, including open mesh steel grating (Safegrid/Flowforge), solid top flooring (Safedeck/Flowdeck), stair treads, steel handrail systems (Saferail), and a full GRP portfolio (Flowgrate, Flowtread, Flowgrip, Flowrail, and bespoke GRP Structures). The company is the sole UK manufacturer of Safegrid open mesh steel grating, with manufacturing operations based in Middlesbrough, and offers end-to-end services including design, fabrication, supply-and-install, and full project management to construction, rail, energy, data centre, utilities, and mining sectors.

Product overview

Lionweld Kennedy Flooring is a manufacturer of steel and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) access solutions, operating as a single unified product portfolio with two primary material categories: steel products (Safegrid, Safedeck, Safegrid Treads, Saferail) and GRP products (Flowgrate, Flowdeck, Flowtread, Flowgrip, Flowrail, GRP Structures). The company also offers LionGrip Fixing as an accessory product and provides stockist supply services. Steel products are galvanised open mesh or solid top flooring, grating, stair treads, and handrail systems primarily for industrial applications. GRP products provide lightweight, non-conductive, corrosion-resistant alternatives for harsh environments. Services include design, manufacturing, fabrication, and installation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Safegrid Steel Grating Open mesh steel grating available in 20mm ball proof, 35mm ball proof, and utility grating options. Plain or serrated surfaces for enhanced slip resistance. Designed to BS 4592 and BS EN ISO 14122 standards. For construction, rail, energy, data centre, utilities, and mining customers.
• Safedeck Solid Top Flooring Closed top steel flooring produced by mechanically fixing a durbar plate (3mm, 4.5mm, or 6mm thickness) onto Safegrid open bar grating. Provides solid walking surface eliminating risk of objects falling through. Available in plain or patterned plate. For data centres, stadia, and industrial platforms.
• Safegrid Treads Steel stair treads manufactured using ball proof compliant steel flooring with nosing bars and integral end plates. Available in 20BP or 35BP options with various nosing types (Liongrip, Durbar, Hi-Visibility). For industrial, construction, and rail staircases.
• Saferail Steel Handrail System Steel handrailing system designed to BS4592-0:2006+A1:2012 and BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016. Available as modular components or fully fabricated. Includes stanchions, handrail, gates, kick plates, and barrier rail. Platform stanchions 1100mm high; stair stanchions 900mm high. For industrial walkways, rail depots, and offshore platforms.
• Flowgrate GRP Grating Moulded GRP grating with square mesh pattern and anti-slip surface. Available in 38x38mm, 50x50mm, and 19x19mm (Micromesh) options. Up to 50% lighter than steel, corrosion-resistant, non-conductive, and UV-resistant. For harsh industrial environments, water treatment, and offshore platforms.
• Flowdeck GRP Solid Top Flooring Solid top moulded GRP grating with 3mm gritted grip plate. Lightweight and durable alternative to steel, suitable for walkways and platforms where closed top is required. For data centres, water treatment, and offshore applications.
• Flowtread GRP Grating Pultruded open mesh GRP grating capable of longer spans with higher load capacities. Glass to resin ratio of 65:35 providing increased stiffness. Available in 25mm or 38mm depths. For industrial walkways and platforms requiring longer unsupported spans.
• Flowgrip GRP Plank Flooring Pultruded GRP plank flooring with interlocking tongue and groove system for large spans and specialist applications. Available with solid or slotted top surface options. Suitable for walkways, platforms, ballast board, and noise barriers.
• Flowrail GRP Handrailing and Ladders GRP handrailing and ladder systems engineered to withstand loads up to 0.74kN/m². Available in light, medium or heavy duty with options for fully fabricated frames or key clamp style components for on-site assembly. For water treatment, marine, and corrosive environments.
• GRP Structures (Bespoke Access Solutions) Custom-built GRP access solutions including platforms, ladders, stepovers, handrails, end-of-line platforms, bridges, parapets, debris screens, workstations, and staircases. Non-conductive, non-corrosive, lightweight, and warm to the touch. For industrial and infrastructure projects.
• LionGrip Fixing System Vibration-resistant clip fixing system for installing grating from above on most grating types. Single clip design compatible with multiple grating variants. Strength tested. For installers and contractors.
• Stockists and Supply Service Standard and bespoke panels, stair treads, and handrails stock supply for steel and GRP stockists and fabricators. Includes 20BP and 35BP panels, Safegrid 41/100 (W100), and 30/100 (N100) panels. Bespoke 41/50 and 31/50 panels available on request. Supply-only model for stockists and fabricators.
• Custom Fabrication Services Bespoke fabrication services creating shaped, cut, and finished steel and GRP products to exact project specifications. Standard panels through to complex custom fabrications for walkways, platforms, stepovers, staircases, and ladders. For contractors and end-users with project-specific requirements.
• Design, Manufacturing, and Installation Services Full project management encompassing technical guidance, custom design, fabrication, and site installation of flooring, handrails, and stair treads. Offered as a complete end-to-end solution or as individual components depending on project requirements. For principal contractors and end-users.
• CPD Training: Specifying Sustainable Steel Grating RIBA-accredited CPD sessions delivered to architects, specifiers, and construction professionals providing in-depth technical education on compliant and sustainable steel grating specification. For specifiers and architects in the UK construction industry.

Quantifiable outcome

• Safegrid steel grating has the lowest embodied carbon of any EPD-rated steel grating product currently available on the market
• +10 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Redman FishercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRedman Fisher is a group company of Lionweld Kennedy based in Dublin/Naas, Ireland. It has been supplying Ireland with Flowforge steel grating and handrailing for over 40 years and is the market leader in Ireland. Redman Fisher sells Safegrid (as Flowforge), Safedeck (as Flowdeck), Flowgrip, and Flowrail under its own brand names. The partnership provides complete geographic coverage across the island of Ireland.
• NBS (National Building Specification)coreTechnology or IntegrationLionweld Kennedy makes its product technical data sheets and BIM-compliant model data available through NBS Source, the leading specification platform used by architects, specifiers, and construction professionals in the UK. TEKLA files are also supplied directly. This enables seamless integration of Lionweld Kennedy products into construction project specifications from design inception.
• RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)majorOthersLionweld Kennedy has received RoSPA Awards for 15 consecutive years and earned the RoSPA Order of Distinction (2022 and 2023). RoSPA recognition validates the company's health and safety management systems and is used as a credibility signal in marketing and tender submissions.
• The 5% ClubmajorOthersLionweld Kennedy achieved Gold Status membership in The 5% Club for 2025-26, demonstrating commitment to having at least 5% of the workforce in earn-and-learn positions (apprenticeships, graduate programmes, etc.).
• MakeUK (Manufacturing Technologies Association)majorOthersLionweld Kennedy won the MakeUK National 'Energy and Sustainability' Award and secured a double win at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards, demonstrating manufacturing excellence recognised by the UK's leading manufacturing trade association.
• RISQS (Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme)coreOthersLionweld Kennedy holds RISQS accreditation, enabling it to supply products and services to the UK rail industry. RISQS is the standard supplier qualification scheme for the British rail sector.
• CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)coreOthersCHAS accreditation demonstrates Lionweld Kennedy's compliance with health and safety standards required by contractors and clients in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
• BSI Group (British Standards Institution)coreOthersLionweld Kennedy is a member of the BSI Group (British Standards Institution), the UK's national standards body. BSI shares knowledge, fosters innovation, and instils best practice. Lionweld Kennedy's products and quality systems are certified against BSI standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
• Hill & Smith Holdings PLCcoreOthersHill & Smith Holdings PLC (FTSE 250) acquired Lionweld Kennedy in 2004 and continues to own the business. The group operates across Europe and the USA, specialising in roads and security, utilities, and galvanizing services. Hill & Smith provides investment, governance, and strategic direction to Lionweld Kennedy, which is part of the group's Utilities division.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Webforge: Australia-based global manufacturer of steel grating, handrails, and stair treads for construction, mining, oil & gas, and infrastructure. Directly comparable as a steel grating specialist with overlapping product portfolio and end markets (offshore, mining, industrial).
• Meiser GmbH: German-headquartered manufacturer of steel grating, stair treads, and industrial flooring with European production footprint. Direct peer in open mesh steel grating, particularly in EMEA construction, industrial, and offshore markets, with comparable certification-led selling motion.
• Nystrom (ASI Building Products): US manufacturer of metal grating, access products, and safety solutions for commercial construction and infrastructure. Comparable as a single-vendor access solutions provider combining standard products with custom fabrication and installation services.
• Ohio Gratings Inc. US manufacturer of steel and aluminum grating, stair treads, and GRP (fiberglass) products for industrial, marine, and architectural applications. Closely comparable dual-material (metal + GRP) portfolio and similar custom fabrication capability.
• AMICO (Alabama Metal Industries): Global manufacturer of metal grating, expanded metal, and architectural metal products serving construction, industrial, and infrastructure markets. Comparable as a multi-region metal grating producer with overlapping product categories.
• Fibergrate Composite Structures: US-based specialist manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (GRP/FRP) grating, stair treads, and structural products. Directly comparable as a GRP access solutions specialist with similar corrosion-resistant, non-conductive value proposition for offshore and water/wastewater markets.
• Strongwell Corporation: US manufacturer of pultruded and moulded fiberglass (GRP/FRP) products including grating, structural shapes, and custom fabrications. Directly comparable on the bespoke GRP structures side of Lionweld Kennedy's portfolio.
• Bedford Reinforced Plastics: US manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP/GRP) products including grating, handrail systems, and structural profiles. Comparable as a GRP access solutions manufacturer serving industrial, water treatment, and corrosive environments.
• TechnoCover Ltd: UK-based manufacturer of security access covers, grilles, and louvres for utilities, construction, and infrastructure, also owned by Hill & Smith Holdings. Group company and direct peer in UK metal access solutions serving regulated infrastructure markets.

Others

• Joseph Ash Galvanizing: Sister company within Hill & Smith Holdings providing hot-dip galvanizing services at multiple UK sites. Functionally adjacent as the in-group supplier that galvanizes Lionweld Kennedy's steel products to BS EN ISO 1461.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/LionweldKennedy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lionweld-kennedy-flooring-ltd

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lionweld Kennedy Flooring