Clark-Drain
Clark-Drain is a UK family-owned manufacturer founded in 1963 that designs and produces drainage products and access solutions including manhole covers, gully gratings, linear drainage, and access chambers for the construction, infrastructure, defence, and utility sectors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1963
- HeadquartersPeterborough, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Clark-Drain does
Clark-Drain is a UK-based manufacturer and distributor of drainage products and access solutions, founded in 1963 by Francis Clark and Dorothy Clark. The company designs and produces gully gratings, manhole covers, surface boxes, linear drainage channels, access chambers, and underground fixtures using ductile iron, galvanised steel, polypropylene, polymer concrete, and composite materials. Its core technology portfolio includes the Technodrain HD-PE linear drainage system (F900 load rating, 87.48 litres per second through-flow), composite manhole covers for utility applications, and custom-manufactured heavy-duty polypropylene access chambers compliant with Ministry of Defence JSP 604 Part 2 standards. Manufacturing is centred at its Yaxley, Peterborough facility, with robotic welding processes in operation since 1999 and in-house tooling since 1995. The company also operates galvanising and powder coating services with over 40 years of experience.
The business operates a multi-channel go-to-market model combining builders merchants and distributors for trade volume, direct enterprise sales to civil engineers, Tier 1 contractors, architects, and asset owners for major projects, and export distribution to Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe. Customers include Kier Group, Ministry of Justice, Network Rail, Costain, DS Smith, and Queen Mary University of London, spanning construction, infrastructure, defence, utilities, education, and manufacturing sectors. Pricing is quote-based with account customers receiving 30-day terms and non-account customers paying on order. The company holds extensive certifications including BS EN124-2:2015 Kitemark, ISO 9001:2015, Achilles UVDB, FACTA membership, and NBS Source partnership, positioning it for regulated procurement channels.
Clark-Drain is a family-owned business, part of Clarksteel Holdings Limited, that completed a planned leadership transition in September 2025, passing day-to-day operations to the next generation with Sarah Hughes as CEO, while Ron Clark continues as Board Chair. The company has maintained its independence throughout its 60+ year history with no disclosed institutional or private equity investment, generating revenue from one-time product sales across its core drainage range and ancillary galvanising/powder coating services.
Clark-Drain firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Clark-Drain
- Legal name
- Clark-Drain Limited
- Website
- https://clark-drain.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1963
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Clark-Drain is a UK family-owned manufacturer founded in 1963 that designs and produces drainage products and access solutions including manhole covers, gully gratings, linear drainage, and access chambers for the construction, infrastructure, defence, and utility sectors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Clark-Drain industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Drainage Products and Access Solutions
- SIC
- Steel Pipe & Tubes (3317), Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pipes & Tubing (Metal, Plastic & Composite) (IMADALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Underground Downspout Drain Lines (Installation, Cleaning & Repair) (HSAIAKAG), Manholes, Laterals & Service Connections (Installation/Rehab) (EUANACAI), Storm Drain & Yard Drain Cleaning & Repair (HSAOABAL)
Keywords
Where Clark-Drain is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Peterborough
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Clark-Drain business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Drainage Products and Access Solutions: Manufacture and distribution of drainage products including manhole covers, gully gratings, linear drainage, access chambers, and related accessories. Revenue generated through product sales to construction industry customers.
- Galvanising and Powder Coating Services: Protective coating services for steel components including hot dip galvanising, powder coating, and shot blasting. Services include collection and delivery, 24-hour turnaround option, and technical support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard product pricing for drainage and access solutions |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Clark-Drain product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Clark-Drain manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of drainage and access products — including ductile iron manhole covers, steel manhole covers, polypropylene and composite covers, gully gratings, kerb gullies, surface boxes, linear drainage channels (Technodrain HD-PE), access chamber systems, security covers, underground fixtures, and accessories — for the UK and international construction sectors. The company also operates hot dip galvanising and powder coating services for steel components with collection, delivery, and 24-hour turnaround support.
Product overview
Clark-Drain is a manufacturer and designer of drainage and access solutions offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. The core product range includes ductile iron manhole covers (Heavy-duty access covers for highways and industrial applications), steel manhole covers (galvanised options up to 44T GPW), polypropylene manhole covers (100% recycled materials with slip-resistant designs), composite manhole covers (non-ferrous for telecommunications), ductile iron gully gratings, kerb gullies, surface boxes, linear drainage channels (including Technodrain HD-PE sub-brand), access chamber systems (modular polypropylene chambers), security solutions (defence and security sector), underground fixtures and fittings, and accessories (lifting keys, reducers). Services include galvanising and powder coating for steel protection. Bespoke/custom solutions are available for non-standard requirements. The company operates under ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management systems and holds multiple British Standards certifications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ductile Iron Manhole Covers Heavy-duty access covers and frames made from ductile iron, BS EN 124-2:2015 Kitemark certified, available in loading classes A15 to F900 for highways, industrial and commercial applications; for construction contractors and specifiers.
- Steel Manhole Covers Galvanised steel access covers for pedestrian through heavy duty loading up to 44T GPW, including sealed/locked designs, solid tops, recessed pavior options and internal drainage designs; for commercial, residential and infrastructure projects.
- Polypropylene Manhole Covers Inspection covers made from 100% recycled polypropylene with slip-resistant surfaces, dual locking and restricted access features, providing Building Regulations compliance; for landscaped and pedestrian access areas.
- Composite Manhole Covers Non-ferrous composite covers with B125 load rating and galvanised steel frames, resistant to chemicals, rust and corrosion; for telecommunications and electrical utility applications.
- Ductile Iron Gully Gratings Ductile iron gully grates with cycle-friendly mesh designs, taper-lock frames, captive hinges and reversible grates for efficient water clearing on highways and urban developments.
- Ductile Iron Kerb Gullies Ductile iron kerb gullies for highways and estate roads, designed for efficient surface water drainage with integral lifting keyholes and locking mechanisms.
- Surface Boxes Access boxes for utility valve chambers, pumping systems and underground services, compliant to BS 5834-2:2011 for gas and waterworks purposes; for utility contractors and asset owners.
- Linear Drainage Channels Channel drainage systems for vehicular and pedestrian areas, CE marked to BS EN 1433:2002, available in polymer concrete, polypropylene and HD-PE materials; for commercial, civil, rail and industrial projects.
- Access Chamber Systems Modular inspection chambers made from recycled polypropylene for cable/utility access and network protection, available in load ratings from FACTA AAA to E600; for utilities and infrastructure contractors.
- Security Solutions High-security access covers and chambers meeting Ministry of Defence JSP 604 Part 2 requirements for defence, security, and communication infrastructure sectors.
- Bespoke Drainage and Access Solutions Custom-designed and manufactured access and drainage solutions to customer specifications, including non-standard sizes and special configurations; for contractors and asset owners with non-standard project requirements.
- Underground Fixtures and Fittings PVC and polypropylene underground drainage systems including 110mm diameter options, gullies, chambers, covers and adaptors for connection to other pipe systems; for domestic and commercial drainage installations.
- Hot Dip Galvanising Services Protective hot dip galvanising service for steel components, with over 40 years of experience and capability for components up to 8m single dip and 3m vertical dip, including collection and delivery and a 24-hour turnaround option.
- Powder Coating Services High quality powder coating for steel fabrications, accommodating short runs to high production volumes and coating components up to 8m long and 2.4m wide.
- Technodrain HD-PE Linear Drainage System Advanced HD-PE linear drainage channel sub-brand with F900 load rating, tongue and groove joints, and 87.48 litres per second maximum through-flow capacity for the highest-load civil and industrial applications.
- Pro-Shield Max Residential Drainage and Access Solution Industry-first UK-made residential drainage and access solution marketed under the Pro-Shield Max sub-brand, targeted at housebuilders and residential contractors.
- Chameleon (CD 470) Infill Access Cover Infill solution for concealing manhole covers in gardens and soft landscapes, allowing grass, plants or other materials to grow over the cover for landscaping applications.
- Aqua Knight Sealed Access Cover Sealed access cover solution for high water table areas providing odour and water egress sealing for internal applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- 25% reduction in installation time with polypropylene linear channel for rail platforms (vs traditional products)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Clark-Drain
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Clark-Drain technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Clark-Drain partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Kier GroupcoreClark-Drain partnered with Kier Group from specification stages for the UK's first carbon-neutral prison at Full Sutton site. Delivered 418 of 419 access points required for electrical infrastructure. Custom manufactured heavy-duty polypropylene chambers at Yaxley factory. Collaboration established new techniques for sustainable construction projects.
- Palletways (PC Howard)minorClark-Drain partnered with Palletways member PC Howard for delivery logistics, enabling efficient distribution of products to customers.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Clark-Drain competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ACO Drainage Systems: ACO is one of the largest UK/European manufacturers of linear drainage channels, gully systems, and access products. Directly competes with Clark-Drain's Technodrain and polymer concrete channel portfolio across commercial, infrastructure, and residential drainage specifications.
- Wavin (Orbia): Wavin, part of Orbia, is a global manufacturer of plastic pipe and drainage systems. Directly competes with Clark-Drain's polypropylene and HD-PE drainage channels, underground fixtures, and access chamber products in both UK and export markets.
- Polypipe (Genuit Group): Polypipe, now part of Genuit Group, is a leading UK manufacturer of plastic drainage and access products. Overlaps directly with Clark-Drain's polypropylene channels, access chambers, and underground fixtures, particularly in the builders merchant and housebuilder channels.
- Saint-Gobain PAM UK: Saint-Gobain PAM manufactures ductile iron access covers, gully gratings, and water utility products for UK infrastructure. Closest direct competitor to Clark-Drain's ductile iron manhole cover and gully range, especially for highways and utility applications.
- EJ (East Jordan Iron Works): EJ is one of the world's largest manufacturers of iron access covers, manhole frames, and drainage gratings. Competes with Clark-Drain on ductile iron and steel access products across utility, municipal, and commercial infrastructure specifications.
- Naylor Drainage: Naylor manufactures clay and plastic drainage products for construction and infrastructure. Notably, Naylor Concrete Products is also a Clark-Drain customer, illustrating Naylor as both a peer (in concrete drainage) and an overlapping customer base in the UK civils market.
- Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage: Brett Martin is a UK-based manufacturer of plastic drainage, access chambers, and underground systems. Directly comparable to Clark-Drain's polypropylene and HD-PE drainage channel product lines for residential, commercial, and infrastructure applications.
- Hargreaves Foundry: Hargreaves Foundry is a UK cast iron manufacturer producing drainage gratings, channel covers, and access products. Comparable heritage manufacturer (founded 19th century) competing in heritage, streetscape, and infrastructure segments with Clark-Drain's iron products.
- Marsh Industries: Marsh Industries is a UK manufacturer of surface water management, drainage channels, and access products. Directly comparable mid-sized competitor to Clark-Drain in the civils and commercial drainage specification market.
Broad incumbents
- Alumasc Group: Alumasc is a broader UK building products group with rainwater management, drainage, and access solutions. Overlaps with Clark-Drain on gully, linear drainage, and access products but operates across wider building envelope categories including roofing and waterproofing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Clark-Drain social profiles
Digital presenceClark-Drain compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance13 records
Clark-Drain financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Clark-Drain leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Clark-Drain funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Clark-Drain 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 Clark-Drain
What does Clark-Drain do?
Clark-Drain manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of drainage and access products — including ductile iron manhole covers, steel manhole covers, polypropylene and composite covers, gully gratings, kerb gullies, surface boxes, linear drainage channels (Technodrain HD-PE), access chamber systems, security covers, underground fixtures, and accessories — for the UK and international construction sectors. The company also operates hot dip galvanising and powder coating services for steel components with collection, delivery, and 24-hour turnaround support.
Is Clark-Drain a public or private company?
Clark-Drain is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Clark-Drain founded?
Clark-Drain was founded in 1963. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Clark-Drain based?
Clark-Drain is headquartered in Peterborough, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Clark-Drain make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Drainage Products and Access Solutions are the primary driver. The others are galvanising and Powder Coating Services.
Who are Clark-Drain's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ACO Drainage Systems, Wavin (Orbia), Polypipe (Genuit Group), Saint-Gobain PAM UK, EJ (East Jordan Iron Works), Naylor Drainage, Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage, Hargreaves Foundry and Marsh Industries. Alumasc Group is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Clark-Drain have an API?
No public API is recorded for Clark-Drain.
What industry is Clark-Drain in?
Clark-Drain's product category is Drainage Products and Access Solutions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADALAC, Pipes & Tubing (Metal, Plastic & Composite), with a secondary code of HSAIAKAG, Underground Downspout Drain Lines (Installation, Cleaning & Repair). Its SIC code is 3317.