Machine Building Systems
Machine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Item aluminium profile systems and Elcom flat-belt conveyors, selling modular industrial framing, automation, and conveyor products to UK machine builders, manufacturers, and automation integrators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersRipley, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Machine Building Systems does
Machine Building Systems Ltd. (MBS) is a privately held UK industrial distributor and light fabricator founded in 1989 and headquartered in Ripley, Derbyshire, England. The company holds exclusive UK distribution rights for Item GmbH's modular extruded aluminium profile systems and Elcom's flat-belt conveyors, positioning it as the sole UK source for genuine Item products. MBS serves industrial machine builders, manufacturing operations, automation integrators, and cleanroom/precision manufacturers across the United Kingdom through a direct sales team and a project-engineering design service.
The core product portfolio is built around Item's modular aluminium profile platform, spanning seven product lines: the MB Building Kit System (profiles and accessories across 5 ranges for machine frames, guards, jigs, and fixtures), the Lean Production tubular extrusion system, the Workbench System (ergonomic workstations, trolleys, and accessories), Automation (linear slides, motors, controllers, and the Item MotionDesigner configuration software), Stairways and Platforms, Elcom-based Conveyors (flat-belt and timing-belt), and the XMS Machine System (premium-finish profiles with integrated cable management for cleanrooms). Proprietary configuration tools, including Item's EngineeringTool and MotionDesigner, allow customers to self-design while MBS Project Engineers provide a free design support service and a separate Frame Building Service for bespoke fabrication.
Commercially, MBS operates a sales-led, quote-based go-to-market model. Products are sold either as ready-to-go assemblies or as kits of parts for self-build projects, with pricing established per enquiry. Revenue is generated through one-time sales of aluminium profile systems, conveyor units, and linear motion equipment, supplemented by professional services for design and custom frame building. The company holds a deliberate policy of maintaining massive inventory to support quick delivery times, and the distribution channel is restricted to the UK market under its exclusive agreements with Item and Elcom.
Machine Building Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Machine Building Systems
- Legal name
- Machine Building Systems Ltd.
- Website
- https://mbsitem.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Machine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Item aluminium profile systems and Elcom flat-belt conveyors, selling modular industrial framing, automation, and conveyor products to UK machine builders, manufacturers, and automation integrators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Machine Building Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Machine Building Components
- NAICS
- Machinery Manufacturing (333)
- SIC
- Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK)
Keywords
Where Machine Building Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ripley
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Machine Building Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Aluminium Profile Systems Sales: Sale of Item aluminium profile systems including MB Profile System, Lean Production components, Workbenches, Automation products, Stairways and Platforms, and XMS System. Products sold as both ready-to-go assemblies and kits of parts for self-build projects.
- Frame Building Service: Custom frame building service using Item aluminium profile systems for bespoke industrial applications
- Design Services: Free design service from Project Engineers to assist customers with their projects using unfamiliar products
- Conveyor Systems: Flat-belt and timing-belt conveyors based on Item aluminium profiles with various configuration options, sourced from Elcom
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ready-to-go assemblies - pre-configured products for immediate use |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kit of parts - individual components and profiles for self-build projects |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Machine Building Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Machine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Item aluminium profile systems and Elcom flat belt conveyors. The company sells modular aluminium profile kits, linear motion automation components, workbenches, lean production systems, stairways and platforms, conveyors, and XMS cleanroom framing systems, offered as ready-to-go assemblies or kits of parts for self-build projects, supported by a free design service and custom frame building.
Product overview
Machine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Item aluminium profile systems, offering a comprehensive modular building kit ecosystem. The core product portfolio includes the MB Building Kit System (aluminium profiles and accessories in 5 ranges for machine frames and guards), the Lean Production System (tubular aluminium extrusion for labour-saving single-handed construction), the Work Bench System (ergonomic workbenches and trolleys with extensive accessories), Automation solutions (linear slides, motors, controllers for motion applications), Stairways & Platforms (access solutions using standard profiles), Conveyors (flat-belt and timing-belt conveyors), and the XMS Machine System (premium finish profiles for cleanrooms with integrated cable management). The company provides Free Design and Frame Building Services to support customers in implementing these modular systems for industrial applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MB Building Kit System Aluminium profiles and accessories in 5 distinct product ranges for building machine frames, guards, jigs, fixtures, and other industrial applications.
- Lean Production System (Line D30) Labour saving tubular aluminium extrusion system and roller conveyors suitable for single-handed construction using only one tool, enabling maximum cost efficiency through continuous improvements in manufacturing processes.
- Work Bench System Ergonomic aluminium workbenches, trolleys, and accessories for customising workspaces, including SystemMobiles, power and data supply, lighting, and ESD-safe options.
- Automation (Linear Motion Units) Linear slides, motors, controllers, and drive elements for light and heavy-duty automation applications, featuring the item MotionDesigner configuration software.
- Stairways & Platforms Access platforms, stairways, guard rails, and accessories using standard aluminium profiles and components for integrated machine concepts.
- Conveyors Flat-belt and timing-belt conveyors based on Item aluminium profiles with a variety of configuration options for conveyor technology applications.
- XMS Machine System Aluminium extrusions for cleanrooms or frames with a premium finish, featuring load-bearing constructions with compartmentalised functional sections and integrated cable management.
- Flat Belt Conveyors Standard flat belt conveyors for transporting individual workpieces, packaging units, and bulk goods via a conveyor belt stretched over a frame using pulleys.
- Free Design Service Dedicated Project Engineers provide free design assistance using Item's product range to help customers plan and execute their industrial projects.
- Frame Building Service Custom frame building service using Item aluminium profile systems for bespoke industrial applications, executed by specialist technicians.
Quantifiable outcome
- Quick delivery times achieved through massive stock holding policy
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Machine Building Systems
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Machine Building Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Machine Building Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Item GmbHcoreMachine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Item aluminium profile systems, representing the sole UK source for genuine Item aluminium profile products. The partnership includes access to Item's full product range including MB Profile System, Lean Production, Workbenches, Automation, Stairways and Platforms, Conveyors, and XMS System product lines.
- ElcomcoreMachine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Elcom flat belt conveyors, providing access to standard flat belt conveyors and timing-belt conveyors based on Item aluminium profiles with various configuration options.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Machine Building Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Festo: Global supplier of automation technology including linear motion axes, motors, controllers, and pneumatic systems. Comparable to MBS's automation category (linear slides, motors, controllers) for industrial automation end customers.
- Interroll: Global manufacturer of material handling products including conveyors, rollers, and modular conveying systems. Comparable to MBS's conveyor product line for warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution customers.
- Bosch Rexroth: Global manufacturer of linear motion technology, aluminium profile framing (EcoShape), and automation components. Overlaps with MBS's automation and framing categories as a broad industrial incumbent with comparable end customers.
- SMC Corporation: Global manufacturer of pneumatic and automation components including actuators, motion control, and linear guides. Adjacent competitor to MBS's linear motion and automation offering for industrial machine builders and automation integrators.
- Item GmbH: German manufacturer of the Item aluminium profile systems that MBS distributes exclusively in the UK. Comparable as the originating product line; competes with MBS in non-UK geographies and could bypass distributors in the UK in the future.
Direct peers
- mk Technology Group: Manufacturer of flat belt and timing belt conveyors, aluminium profile-based framing systems, and modular workstations. Closely comparable product overlap with MBS across conveyors and machine framing.
- MiniTec: German manufacturer of modular aluminium profile systems and linear technology for machine frames, workstations, and automation. Directly comparable product portfolio to Item/MBS, often competing for the same end customers in Europe.
- 80/20 Inc. US-based manufacturer of modular T-slot aluminium profile framing systems used for machine frames, workstations, and industrial structures. Directly comparable as a competitor brand in the modular aluminium framing category MBS distributes.
- FlexLink (Coesia): Provider of conveyor systems and material handling solutions for industrial assembly and packaging operations. Directly comparable to MBS's Elcom flat belt and timing-belt conveyor offering for industrial customers.
- RK Rose+Krieger: German supplier of aluminium profile systems, linear technology, and machine framing components. Highly comparable to MBS's Item-based offering, serving the same machine builder and automation integrator customer base in industrial markets.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Machine Building Systems social profiles
Digital presenceMachine Building Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Machine Building Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Machine Building Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Machine Building Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Machine Building Systems 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 Machine Building Systems
What does Machine Building Systems do?
Machine Building Systems is the exclusive UK distributor for Item aluminium profile systems and Elcom flat belt conveyors. The company sells modular aluminium profile kits, linear motion automation components, workbenches, lean production systems, stairways and platforms, conveyors, and XMS cleanroom framing systems, offered as ready-to-go assemblies or kits of parts for self-build projects, supported by a free design service and custom frame building.
Is Machine Building Systems a public or private company?
Machine Building Systems is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Machine Building Systems founded?
Machine Building Systems was founded in 1989. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Machine Building Systems based?
Machine Building Systems is headquartered in Ripley, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Machine Building Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Aluminium Profile Systems Sales are the primary driver. The others are frame Building Service, design Services and conveyor Systems.
Who are Machine Building Systems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Festo, Interroll, Bosch Rexroth, SMC Corporation and Item GmbH. Direct peers are mk Technology Group, MiniTec, 80/20 Inc., FlexLink (Coesia) and RK Rose+Krieger.
Does Machine Building Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Machine Building Systems.
What industry is Machine Building Systems in?
Machine Building Systems's product category is Industrial Machine Building Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAOAK, Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines). Its NAICS code is 333 and its SIC code is 3530.