What Elaflex does

Elaflex HIBY GmbH & Co. KG is a German family-owned engineering company (Ehlers family, third generation) that designs, manufactures, and globally distributes equipment for the safe transfer of fuels, chemicals, and other fluid media. The product portfolio is organised around four core divisions: SAT (hoses and couplings including Yellow Band, TW, and chemical hoses such as ELAFLON PLUS FEP and ELAPHARM), ERV (rubber expansion joints in Yellow, Red, Green, and White bands plus the ERV-H2+ hydrogen variant), EHT (petrol station equipment centred on the ZVA automatic dispensing nozzle family), and Aircraft Refuelling. Its technology stack rests on proprietary materials science (patented defined electrical conductivity range of 1,000 to 1 million Ohm for hoses, co-developed with Continental), modular mechanical design, and active participation in international standards (DIN, EN, ISO, TW). Approximately 900 employees operate across the Hamburg headquarters, a Plettenberg production facility, and 13+ subsidiaries covering Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Latin America, Brazil, and the US (opened 2023). Revenue is generated almost entirely through B2B hardware sales of nozzles, hoses, couplings, expansion joints, safety breakaway couplings (SSB/CSB/PSB), and increasingly alternative fuel systems (H2, LNG, CNG, LPG) distributed through wholly-owned regional subsidiaries, technical wholesalers, and authorised repair workshops in 80+ countries, with an export ratio exceeding 70%. The firm is ISO 9001 certified and has secured PTB, AQAP 2130 NATO, and European Pressure Equipment Directive approvals.

Name

Elaflex

Legal name

ELAFLEX LTD

Website

https://elaflex.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Elaflex is a German family-owned manufacturer of engineered refuelling equipment — including ZVA nozzles, hoses, couplings, and rubber expansion joints — sold globally to petroleum, chemical, aviation, and alternative fuel industries through subsidiaries and distributors in 80+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Refuelling Equipment Manufacturing

SIC

Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Hoses & Tubing (Rubber/Elastomer) (IMANALAA)

Keywords

• Fuel dispensing nozzles
• Rubber expansion joints
• Tank truck hoses
• Aircraft refuelling equipment
• Chemical transfer hoses

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Refuelling Equipment Sales: Direct sales of proprietary nozzles, hoses, couplings, expansion joints, and safety equipment to petroleum, chemical, and industrial customers through global distribution network

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Elaflex manufactures and supplies engineered refuelling equipment for the safe transfer of fuels, chemicals, and other fluid media. Its core offerings include ZVA automatic dispensing nozzles, manual and dry hose delivery nozzles, fuel and chemical transfer hoses, TW tank truck couplings, rubber expansion joints (ERV), safety breakaway couplings, MannTek dry disconnect couplings, CNG/LNG/H2/LPG refuelling systems, and industrial hose reels.

Product overview

Elaflex is a specialist manufacturer of engineered refuelling equipment for the safe transfer of fuels, chemical products, and other fluid media. The product portfolio is organized around four core divisions: SAT (Hoses and Couplings), ERV (Rubber Expansion Joints), EHT (Petrol Station Equipment including ZVA nozzles), and Aircraft Refuelling. Key products include ZVA automatic dispensing nozzles (Slimline 2 and Slimline 2 GR with vapour recovery), manual ZV/ZL/ZVF nozzles, Safety Breaks (SSB, CSB, PSB), Yellow Band aircraft refuelling hoses, TW tank truck hoses, chemical hoses (UTS/UTL, ELAFLON PLUS FEP, PTFE), ELAPHARM pharma hoses, TW couplings, SPANNLOC/SPANNFIX safety clamps, ERV rubber expansion joints, MannTek Dry Disconnect Couplings (DDC/DAC/DGC/DCC), CNG components from Oasis Engineering, LNG and H2 hydrogen refuelling systems, hose reels, and LPG nozzles (ZVG and GasGuard). Digital tools include web-based configurators and a Product ID mobile app. The company operates own production facilities in Germany (Hamburg for assembly, Plettenberg for nozzles) and is ISO 9001 accredited.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ZVA: Automatic dispensing nozzles brand (e.g., ZVA Slimline 2, ZVA Slimline 2 GR)
• GasGuard
• MannTek
• Oasis Engineering
• ELAPHARM
• Polypal Clean
• ELAFLON
• Yellow Band
• ERV

Products and services

• ZVA Slimline 2 Automatic Dispensing Nozzle Automatic dispensing nozzle with automatic shut-off for petrol station refuelling, featuring integrated diesel drip catcher, pressure-controlled safety shut-off, fully integrated vapour valves, and improved shut-off properties for foaming and vapourising fuels. Targeted at petrol station operators and forecourt equipment installers.
• ZVA Slimline 2 GR Vapour Recovery Nozzle Automatic dispensing nozzle with integrated vapour recovery channel for Stage II vapour recovery compliance at petrol stations. Targeted at petrol station operators subject to vapour recovery regulations.
• ZV Series Manual Dispensing Nozzles Non-automatic manual dispensing nozzles including ZV 19, ZV 25, and ZV 500 for flow rates from 100 l/min up to 600 l/min. Targeted at industrial and fuel handling applications.
• ZVF 50 Aircraft Overwing Refuelling Nozzle Aircraft overwing refuelling nozzle for aviation fuel dispensing, available in versions including UL for unleaded fuels and AF free of non-ferrous metals. Targeted at airports, oil companies, and air forces for JET-A1 refuelling.
• ZL Dry Hose Delivery Nozzles Dry hose delivery nozzles with stainless steel/PTFE ball valve for open media transfer such as drum and IBC container filling, with DN 50 and flow rates 50-900 l/min at max 10 bar. Targeted at chemical and petroleum industry operators.
• ZV SW Screen Water Nozzle Non-automatic closing nozzle for screen water (windscreen washer fluid) refilling from petrol station dispensers, with a flow rate of 20 l/min. Targeted at petrol station operators offering windscreen washer fluid as a forecourt product.
• Safety Breakaway Couplings (SSB, CSB, PSB) Safety Breakaway Couplings including SSB (Safety Swivel Break), CSB (COAX Safety Break), PSB (Pump Safety Break), and Double Closing DC types that stop fuel flow after separation on both sides. Conform to EN 13617:1999 standard. Targeted at petrol station operators to protect dispensers during drive-away incidents.
• Yellow Band Aircraft Refuelling Hoses Aircraft refuelling hoses to British Standard 3158 with defined safe electrical conductivity, including standard and NEON reflective marking versions. Targeted at airports, air forces, and oil company aviation fuel operations.
• TW Tank Truck Hoses Tank truck hoses including Yellow Band HD (High Density), TW (TW-Couplings), and LTW (Lightweight) versions for loading and unloading of road tankers. Targeted at petroleum and chemical haulage fleet operators.
• Chemical Hoses (UTS/UTL, ELAFLON PLUS FEP, PTFE) Chemical resistant hoses including universal UTS/UTL with UPE lining, ELAFLON PLUS FEP with transparent FEP lining, and PTFE hoses for aggressive media, compliant with EN 12115:2011. Targeted at chemical processors handling aggressive media.
• ELAPHARM Pharma Hose Assemblies Pharma hose assemblies with kinking resistance and flexibility, FDA/USP IV compliant, conforming to DIN 26055-3 pharma hose standard. Targeted at pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturers.
• TW Couplings (Tank and Pipe Couplings) Tank and pipe couplings including TW (TankWagen) couplings in various materials (aluminium, brass, stainless steel), Camlock couplings, and flanges. Targeted at road tanker operators and chemical hauliers.
• SPANNLOC and SPANNFIX Safety Hose Clamps Safety hose clamps including SPANNLOC (two-part safety clamps with hinge) and SPANNFIX for secure hose-to-coupling attachment, available in aluminium, stainless steel, and nickel-plated brass. Targeted at industrial hose assembly users.
• ERV Rubber Expansion Joints Rubber expansion joints including ERV-G (Yellow Band) for fuels, ERV-R (Red Band) for water/drinking water, ERV-GS (Yellow Steel) for ship engine rooms, ROTEX for heating systems, and ERV-H2+ for hydrogen transfer. Targeted at piping system operators in petroleum, chemical, water, marine, and hydrogen applications.
• MannTek Dry Disconnect Couplings Dry Disconnect Couplings (DDC), Dry Aviation Couplings (DAC), Dry Gas Couplings (DGC), Dry Cryogenic Couplings (DCC) for LNG, and Cryogenic Breakaway Couplings (CBC) for spill-free fluid handling. Targeted at chemical, petroleum, aviation, and LNG operators.
• CNG Components (Oasis Engineering) CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) components from subsidiary Oasis Engineering including Fill Valves, Nozzles, Ball and Check Valves CV300 with ORFS, Cylinder Valves, Manifolds, and Safety Breaks SB-CNG. Targeted at CNG refuelling station builders and operators.
• Industrial Hose Reels Industrial hose reels from own production - custom-made for terminals, road tankers, aviation, petrochemical, marine, and defence industries. Delivered as complete tested systems with hoses, couplings, and nozzles.
• LNG Refuelling System Complete LNG refuelling system for bus and truck refuelling at petrol station forecourts, including N-LNG nozzle, VC-LNG vent coupling, LNG 25 fill line hose assembly, LNG 13 vent line hose assembly, and SB-LNG safety breakaway couplings. Targeted at LNG station operators and bus/truck fleet operators.
• Hydrogen (H2) Refuelling Products Hydrogen refuelling products including H2 Cover Hose (CH-H2 38), H2 hydrogen hoses for low-pressure range (DN 13-50, 20 bar), ERV-H2+ expansion joints (25 bar), ball valves, check valves, and N-LH2 nozzle for LH2 truck refuelling. Targeted at hydrogen mobility infrastructure operators.
• ZVG LPG Nozzles LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) refuelling nozzles including ZVG 2 ACME, ZVG 2 DISH, ZVG 2 EURO, and ZVG 2 DME for DME mixture with renewable raw materials. Targeted at LPG station operators across multiple regional standards.
• GasGuard LPG Nozzles LPG nozzles produced in Australia by subsidiary ELAFLEX Pacific (formerly L.G. Equipment), marketed under the GasGuard brand. Targeted at LPG station operators in Australia and the Pacific region.
• IBC Connectors for Hazardous Fluids Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) connectors for hazardous fluids including RS S60 x 2" SS reducers, RS S100 x 3" SS reducers, MC/MX hose couplings, and DDC-V 50 S60 SS dry disconnect couplings. Targeted at chemical processors using IBC containers.
• Product Badges EK 145 Fuel grade identification badges for ZVA nozzles for compliance with BS EN 16942, available as EK 145 marking badges and EK FGI (Fuel Grade Identifier) for retrofitting. Targeted at petrol station operators subject to fuel grade labelling compliance.

Quantifiable outcome

• ERT-H2+ expansion joints with low permeation suitable for 100% hydrogen transfer
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 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

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered acquisition, major, minor and core.

• SGB GmbHacquisitionOthers · 1 January 2021Acquisition of German supplier and manufacturer of leak detection technology, expanding product portfolio for fuel handling safety
• Air Traffic Trade ABacquisitionOthers · 1 January 2021Company became part of ELAFLEX Group - aircraft refuelling equipment specialist
• Aljac Fuelling Components Ltd (UK)acquisitionOthers · 1 January 2019Acquisition of UK specialist supplier of aviation refuelling systems and equipment
• Oasis Engineering Ltd (New Zealand)majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2016Acquisition of renown CNG component manufacturer. Expanded CNG sales structure to entire ELAFLEX Group. Products include ball valves, check valves, fill valves, manifolds for CNG dispensing systems
• Dantec Ltd (UK)acquisitionOthers · 1 January 2015Acquisition of majority stake in UK manufacturer of premium composite hoses
• L.G. Equipment Pty Ltd (Australia)acquisitionOthers · 1 January 2012Acquisition of majority stake in Australian manufacturer of LPG nozzles (GasGuard brand). Company renamed to Elaflex Pacific Pty Ltd
• Reiflexa (Germany)minorOthers · 1 January 2011Partial acquisition of Hamburg company specialising in rubber expansion joints and special compensators, including Navy components
• Dessoy Flexible Tubing / Elaflex NV (Belgium)acquisitionOthers · 1 January 1992Acquisition of Belgian distributor of hoses and fittings technology with own production, later renamed ELAFLEX NV
• ContiTech FluidcoreTechnology or IntegrationProduction of hoses for ELAFLEX product range by ContiTech Fluid in Korbach. Long-standing partnership for hose manufacturing including Contiflex dispensing hoses
• ContiTech LuftfedersystemecoreTechnology or IntegrationProduction of bellows for Rubber Expansion Joints by ContiTech Luftfedersysteme in Hannover
• MannTek (Sweden)coreTechnology or IntegrationProduction of DDC Dry Disconnect Couplings by MannTek in Sweden. MannTek became part of ELAFLEX Group and established affiliated company in China

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OPW Fueling Components: A Dover Corporation business and direct global competitor to Elaflex in fuel dispensing nozzles, vapour recovery systems, and tank truck overfill prevention. Both companies serve petrol station, aviation, and tank truck end markets with comparable automatic shut-off nozzle and coupling portfolios.
• Husky Corporation: North American manufacturer of automatic fuel dispensing nozzles, vapour recovery systems, and safe-break valves — the closest direct competitor to Elaflex's ZVA nozzle franchise, serving the same petrol station and petroleum equipment channel.
• Emco Wheaton: A Dover Corporation brand specializing in aviation refuelling, tanker loading, and marine fluid handling equipment. Directly comparable to Elaflex's Aircraft Refuelling and Tank Truck Equipment divisions with overlapping product categories and customer base.
• Alfagomma: Italian manufacturer of industrial, hydraulic, and chemical hoses serving petrochemical, oil & gas, and food/pharma end markets. A direct European competitor to Elaflex in chemical and petroleum hose segments with overlapping certifications (EN 12115) and customer base.
• Dixon Valve & Coupling: US-based manufacturer of hose couplings, fittings, and fluid-handling accessories serving petroleum, chemical, food/beverage, and industrial markets. Directly comparable to Elaflex's TW couplings, Camlocks, and hose assembly businesses.
• Kuriyama of America: Manufacturer and distributor of industrial hoses, couplings, and accessories under multiple brands (Tigerflex, Accuflex, Kuri Tec). A direct peer to Elaflex in industrial and chemical hose categories, with comparable distribution-led GTM and similar petroleum/chemical end markets.

Broad incumbents

• Parker Hannifin: Global diversified industrial manufacturer with significant hose, coupling, and fluid-handling product lines serving aerospace, chemical, and oil & gas markets — a broad incumbent in the same fluid transfer space as Elaflex, though serving a much wider portfolio of industrial applications.
• Continental ContiTech: Elaflex's long-standing manufacturing partner for hoses and rubber bellows, but also a competitor in industrial hose and rubber expansion joint markets globally. ContiTech's scale and broad product range make it both a critical supplier and a peer for benchmarking.
• Gates Industrial: Global manufacturer of industrial and hydraulic hoses, couplings, and fluid power solutions. Comparable to Elaflex in industrial hose product categories, though Gates is far larger, more diversified, and focused on hydraulic/automotive rather than petroleum refuelling specifically.
• Trelleborg AB: Swedish polymer engineering group with significant operations in industrial hoses, rubber expansion joints, and sealing solutions for marine and offshore markets. Directly comparable to Elaflex's ERV rubber expansion joint and marine applications portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elaflex-ltd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Elaflex