B.Hepworth

What B.Hepworth does

B.Hepworth & Company Ltd is a UK-based specialty manufacturer of heavy-duty windshield wiping and wash systems for marine vessels, rail vehicles, and specialized optical applications, headquartered in Redditch. The company operates through four principal brands: Hepworth Marine and Wynn Marine (acquired 2004) for marine wiper systems, Hepworth Rail for rail vehicle wipers, and Monitor Marine for stainless steel deck hardware serving superyacht and military boat builders. Core products include pantograph wipers (20-110Nm torque), straight-line wipers (Type C and D Mk5 with IP67 sealing), multi-speed controllers (1000/2000/8000 series), wash systems with additive tank options, and a portfolio of deck fittings including helicopter tie-downs, cleats, hatch handles, and lifting connectors.

The underlying technology centers on purpose-built AC and DC motor configurations, custom linkage designs engineered in 3D SolidWorks and 2D AutoCAD, and validated through an in-house 3000-hour salt water test rig. Products meet stringent marine type approvals (Lloyd's Register, Germanischer Lloyd, DNV, ABS) and rail certifications (IRIS/ISO TS 22163, EN 15085, IEC61373), with rail systems rated for 400+ km/h operation and over 500,000 cycles. The business model is primarily direct hardware sales to shipbuilders, navies, train manufacturers, and superyacht builders, with quote-based pricing determined by specifications and volume, complemented by aftermarket spare parts and retrofit/overhaul services. Distribution is handled through a 25+ country global marine distributor network supplemented by direct sales for rail and bespoke engineering projects, serving customers such as the Royal Navy, RNLI, Talgo, Alstom, Toronto Streetcar, and superyacht builders.

Name

B.Hepworth

Legal name

B.Hepworth & Company Ltd

Website

https://b-hepworth.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

B.Hepworth & Company Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of heavy-duty windshield wiping and wash systems for marine vessels, rail vehicles, and optical devices, serving navies, shipbuilders, rail operators, and superyacht builders through a global distributor network spanning 25+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Wiper and Wash Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (33331)

SIC

Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Miscellaneous Transportation Equipment (3790)

akta.pro primary industry

Life-Saving Appliances & Safety Equipment (Davit Systems, Lifeboats, Firefighting) (IMAJAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Electrical Engineering & Power Distribution (Generation, Switchboards, Cabling, Lighting) (IMAJAGAF)

Keywords

• Marine wiper systems
• Rail wiper systems
• Windshield washer systems
• Marine deck hardware
• Wiper motor controllers

Headquarters

HQ city

Redditch

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Marine Wiper Systems and Components: Sale of heavy-duty marine windshield wiper systems including pantograph wipers (20Nm-110Nm), straight-line wipers (Type C and D), wiper motors, arms, blades, controllers (1000, 2000, 8000 series), wash systems, and accessories. Products sold to shipbuilders, naval vessels, superyacht builders, and commercial marine operators worldwide.
2. Rail Wiper Systems and Components: Supply of wiper systems, motors (30Nm-120Nm), arms, blades, controllers, wash tanks, pumps, and electrical harnesses for rail vehicles including high-speed trains, locomotives, light rail, and trams. Includes retrofits, overhauls, and spare parts.
3. Monitor Marine Deck Hardware: Sale of stainless steel marine deck fittings and hardware including helicopter tie-downs, deck cleats, hatch handles, latches, lifting points, and custom machined components for superyacht and military boat builders.
4. Aftermarket Services and Spare Parts: Supply of spare parts, refurbishment services, and overhaul programmes for existing wiper systems. Technical support, site visits, installation support, and training services for customers.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

B.Hepworth & Company Ltd designs, manufactures and supplies heavy-duty windscreen wiper and wash systems for marine vessels and rail vehicles, together with associated electrical control systems. Its portfolio includes pantograph and straight-line wiper systems, wiper motors, controllers, wash systems and stainless steel marine deck hardware (under the Wynn Marine and Monitor Marine sub-brands), serving naval, commercial, superyacht and rail customers worldwide.

Product overview

B.Hepworth & Company Ltd is a manufacturer of marine and rail wiper systems with over 70 years of experience. The product portfolio is organized into three main divisions: Marine Wiper Systems (under the Wynn Marine sub-brand), Monitor Marine deck hardware, and Rail Wiper Systems. Marine wipers include Pantograph Wipers (20Nm-110Nm torque ratings), Straight Line Wipers (Type C and D Mk5), comprehensive controller systems (1000/2000/8000 Series), and Wash Systems with additive tank options. The Monitor Marine line offers stainless steel deck fittings including Helicopter Tie-Down Solutions, Lifting Solutions & Multi-Purpose Connectors, Hatch Handles, Pull-Up Deck Cleats, Retractable Deck Cleats, Snap Shut Latches, and Flush Pad Eyes. Rail Wipers feature IP56 motors (30Nm-120Nm), various linkage types, and retrofit/overhaul services. The company also provides Hepworth Fabrications for custom metal fabrication. All products are backed by ISO 9001, IRIS (ISO/TS 22163), EN 15085, DNV, and ABS certifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wynn Marine: Marine wiper systems brand including straight-line wipers and controllers, originally founded by E.D. Wynn in 1948
• Monitor Marine
• Hepworth Rail
• Hepworth Fabrications

Products and services

• Marine Wiper Systems Comprehensive marine windscreen wiper systems including pantograph wipers (20Nm-110Nm torque), straight-line wipers, motors, arms, blades, controllers and wash systems for vessels ranging from leisure craft to naval ships and offshore rigs.
• Straight Line Wipers (Wynn Marine Type C and Type D Mk5) Heavy-duty linear-action wiper systems for rectangular windows; Type D Mk5 features externally mounted IP67-sealed motor and Type C uses internally mounted motor. Operate from -40°C to tropical conditions in 24/115/230V single- or three-phase AC configurations.
• Pantograph Wipers Fan-type wiper systems with torque ratings from 20Nm to 110Nm for complex window shapes, available in AC (115-230V) and DC (12-24V) configurations with fixed or variable arc, pantograph or pendulum arm styles.
• Wynn Marine Controllers (1000, 2000, 8000 Series) Control systems offering individual/group wiper control, multi-speed operation, variable intermittent modes, wash wipe/air purge, self-parking and de-icing heater control; 8000 series features illuminated dimmable panels with plug-and-play connectivity.
• Marine Wash Systems Marine wash systems including 60-litre wash water storage tanks, wash pumps (110VAC/230VAC), immersion heaters, float switches, low-level indicators and optional additive tanks for glycol or detergent injection.
• Monitor Marine Deck Hardware British-designed stainless steel deck fittings including helicopter tie-downs (T45R, 4-bar, surface mount), pull-up and retractable deck cleats, hatch handles, snap-shut latches, flush pad eyes and multi-purpose lifting connectors (1T-7T SWL) for superyacht and quality boat builders.
• Helicopter Tie-Down Solutions Marine helicopter anchoring systems including T45R rotating tie-downs (weld-in and bolt-in), 4-bar tie-downs for 3,500kg MTOW airframes and surface-mount retrofit fittings for superyacht helidecks.
• Rail Wiper Systems Electric windscreen wiper and wash systems for locomotives, high-speed trains, EMU/DMU, light rail and trams. Features IP54/IP56 motors (30Nm-120Nm), compact and enclosed linkages, pendulum and pantograph arms, voltage ranges from 12V to 110V, and operation at train speeds exceeding 400 km/h.
• Rail Retrofit and Overhaul Services Replacement wiper kits for pneumatic and older electrical systems, overhaul and refurbishment programmes (typically every 4-5 years) and onsite engineering support and training for rail operators.
• Wiper Systems for Optical Devices Specialised wiper systems for military-grade surveillance optics, wind farm lidar systems and airfield cameras, with single and dual pantograph/pendulum configurations for sensor and lens cleaning.
• Wynn Marine Brand (Marine Wipers) Sub-brand of marine wiper systems acquired by B.Hepworth in 2004, offering straight-line wipers and controllers with over 70 years of heritage in naval and commercial marine applications.
• Hepworth Fabrications Custom-made fabrications in a wide range of metals, supporting bespoke component production for marine and industrial customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 18 million wipes equivalent tested per 3000-hour test cycle, equivalent to 125 days of continuous operation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• AMI Sales Western AustraliacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Western Australia covering sales, spare parts, and service support for Hepworth marine wiper products. Located at 107 Forsyth Street, O'Connor WA 6163, Australia. Contact: Aaron Wilkes.
• Minura Establishment (Brazil)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor in Brazil handling new building sales and spare parts sales. Located in Rio de Janeiro. Contact: Claudio Ferreira and Sergio Ferreira.
• North West Marine Distributors Limited (Canada)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Canada covering British Columbia. Located at 26940 26th Avenue, Aldergrove, British Columbia V4W 4A4, Canada. Contacts: Don Haber, Stu Blair, Kevin Haber.
• Foilborne Engineering Ltd (China & Hong Kong)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for China and Hong Kong covering sales and support. Unit A8-9, 13/F Veristrong Ind Ctr, 34-36 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo-tan, Shatin, HK. Contacts: Paul Chow, Betty Lam.
• Observator GmbH (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Germany handling sales and spare parts. Located at Bahnhofstr.13, 25524 Itzehoe. Contacts: Christian Schmidt, Cornelia Mansfield, Daniel Schmidt.
• Internaftiki A.E.B.E (Greece)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Greece covering sales and support. Located at 6 Alipedou Str., 18531, Piraeus, Greece. Contact: Mr. Kostas Karamitsos.
• Showa Kako Ltd (Japan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Japan covering sales and support. Located at 2-1-13, Higashikamata, Oota-ku, Tokyo 144-0031, Japan. Contact: Kazutoshi Tsuzuki.
• In-Mar Systems Inc (USA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for the USA (Louisiana region) covering sales and support. Located at 3011 S.Ruby Ave., Gonzales, LA 70737, USA. Contact: Toby Whitfield.
• Window Wiper Technologies (USA Subsidiary)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUSA subsidiary distributor covering the broader US market. Located at 800 Flanders Road, Mystic, Connecticut, CT 06355, USA. Contact: John Morach.
• Aquanautic Agencies PTE Ltd (Singapore)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Singapore covering sales and support. Located at 51 Bukit Batok Crescent, #05-27 Unity Centre, Singapore 658077. Contacts: Patrick Chia, Alex, Helene.
• NJORDX Goteborg AB (Sweden)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Sweden covering sales and service. Located at Kontrabasgatan 11, SE-421 50 Vastra Frolunda, Sweden. Contact: [email protected], [email protected].
• Sangmyung (South Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for South Korea covering sales and support. 6th Floor, 36, UN pyeonghwa-ro 3beon-gil, Nam-gu, Busan, 48504, Republic of Korea. Contacts: H.M. Kim (General Manager), H.T. Kim (CEO).
• Kent Marine Equipment (France)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for France covering sales and support. Located at 13 Rue des Remouleurs, 44800 St Herblain, Cedex, France. Contact: Christophe Normand.
• Marinair Technology Ltd (New Zealand)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for New Zealand covering sales and support. PO Box 441, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. Contact: Tony Rollason.
• Servi Ulstienvik AS (Norway)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Norway covering sales and support. Located at Brendehaugen 24, 6065 Ulstienvik, Norway. Contact: Karl Petter Tommerstol.
• A.B Marine d.o.o (Croatia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Croatia covering sales and support. Located at Setaiste XII div. 12, 151000 Rejeka, Croatia. Contact: Zeljko Bacic.
• Brook Marine Equipment Trading Company LLC (UAE)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for UAE covering sales and support. Located at PO Box 98189, Al Jadaf Ship Docking Yard, Dubai, UAE. Contact: Venu.
• Benson Marine Services (India)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for India covering sales and support. R.No 16, 12th Flr, Najvan Commercial Building, Lamington Rd, Mumbai, India. Contact: Ricardo.
• NOAH Agencies 'N' Marine Services PTE Ltd (Singapore)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine distributor for Singapore covering sales/admin and service/operations. Sales office at 20 Tuas Avenue 4, Singapore 639370. Service at 20 Tuas Avenue 3, Singapore 639416. Contact: Eugene Wee.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bosch: Global mobility and industrial technology supplier with a large wiper systems product line. Functions as a broad incumbent whose scale in automotive wipers and motors establishes a benchmark cost and technology reference in adjacent transport segments.
• Wärtsilä: Finnish marine systems integrator supplying ship power, propulsion and lifecycle services. Comparable as an end-customer channel for B.Hepworth's marine wiper offering and as a broad incumbent that could bundle bridge visibility solutions for shipbuilders.
• Trico Products: Established US-based wiper blade and system manufacturer serving commercial vehicle, industrial and aftermarket channels. Comparable product technology overlap, though Trico focuses on road vehicle/heavy truck rather than marine and rail.
• Knorr-Bremse: Global leader in rail braking and on-board systems with a large rail systems portfolio. Adjacent competitor and systems integrator for rail OEM platforms (e.g., Alstom, Siemens) where B.Hepworth supplies wipers, representing both a customer channel and competitive threat.
• Valeo: Global automotive supplier with a sizeable wiper systems business serving passenger and commercial vehicles. A broad incumbent whose wiper technology platforms could be adapted into specialty transport, creating indirect competitive pressure on B.Hepworth's industrial niches.
• Wabtec: Major rail equipment and services supplier offering subsystems and components to transit and freight rail operators. Comparable at the rail vehicle systems level where B.Hepworth's wipers are integrated into locomotives and EMUs/DMUs.

Direct peers

• Speich: Italian manufacturer of marine window wipers, wash systems and accessories for commercial, naval and leisure vessels. Directly competes with B.Hepworth on pantograph and straight-line wiper product lines sold into Mediterranean shipyards.
• Doga: Spanish wiper systems manufacturer serving automotive, rail and industrial applications including marine. Overlaps with B.Hepworth's rail wiper line and competes in pantograph/straight-line wipers for commercial and industrial transport.
• Exalto Wipers & Mirrors: Dutch specialist manufacturer of marine and naval window wipers, wash systems and mirrors. Closest direct competitor to B.Hepworth's core marine wiper portfolio, serving the same shipbuilder and naval customer base across Europe.

Emerging players

• Mitsuba: Japanese wiper motor and electric component manufacturer with industrial and automotive product lines. Increasing presence in specialty transport and industrial wiper applications, a credible emerging competitor in APAC rail and marine markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInuk.linkedin.com/company/b-hepworth-&-company-limited

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 B.Hepworth