What Spear and Jackson does

Spear & Jackson Group is a Sheffield-headquartered private industrial group operating eight autonomous companies across three divisions: Tools (Spear & Jackson, Eclipse Professional Tools, Robert Sorby, Turners Retreat), Precision Measurement (Bowers, Baty International, Moore & Wright, CV Instruments), and Magnetic Technologies (Eclipse Magnetics, BoilerMag, Ultrafiltrex). Founded in 1760, the group manufactures and distributes more than 20,000 products spanning garden and agricultural hand tools, hacksaw blades, wood-turning equipment, precision bore gauges and micrometers, magnetic filtration and separation systems, lifting and handling equipment, and pipeline separators. End-markets include consumer retail, automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, food processing, pharmaceutical, plumbing and heating. Manufacturing is split between UK sites in Sheffield, Bradford, Burgess Hill, and Camberley, and China (Shanghai, Jiangmen); the group operates sales and distribution offices in France, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with precision measurement products exported to more than 50 countries.

The group's core technology centres on patented magnetic filtration systems (Micromag with rare-earth magnetic cores and tapered radial flow channels; BoilerMagXC with Dual-Flow technology; Pneumag with EHEDG certification for food processing), high-precision Industry 4.0-ready metrology (Bowers DigiMic with 2 µm accuracy, IP67 rating, and Bluetooth/IoT connectivity), and heritage metalworking know-how including the 1889 James Neill composite steel patent for hacksaw blades. The business model is hardware sales through a mixed channel architecture: direct enterprise sales for precision measurement and magnetic filtration, distributor partnerships internationally (Kleenoil in India, Qing Mu Metals in Hong Kong, C Woermann in Nigeria, Carbatec in Australia/NZ), large retail partnerships for consumer tools (Homebase across 600 UK stores), company-owned e-commerce (Eclipse Magnetics shop launched December 2025), a physical retail outlet (Turners Retreat in Doncaster), and a brand-licensing programme (Benross air treatment products, Kew Gardens Collection). The group is privately owned by SNH Global Holdings Limited (Hong Kong), controlled by Chairman Simon N Hsu since May 2014, with Henry W Lim as Group CEO.

Name

Spear and Jackson

Legal name

Spear & Jackson Group

Website

https://spearandjacksongroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1760

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Spear & Jackson Group is a Sheffield-based private industrial group of eight companies manufacturing hand tools, precision measurement instruments, and magnetic filtration systems for consumer, automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, and food processing markets across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Tools, Precision Measurement and Magnetic Technologies

NAICS

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing (332216), Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing (3322), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)

SIC

Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)

akta.pro primary industry

Attachments & Work Tools (Buckets, Augers, Hammers) (IMAHAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Saws & Cutting Systems (Band/Circular Saws, Abrasive Cutting) (IMAHADAL), Outdoor Power Equipment Parts & Service Retail (CRAIAIAE)

Keywords

• Hand tools
• Garden tools
• Precision measurement
• Magnetic filtration
• Industrial tooling

Headquarters

HQ city

Sheffield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tools Division Sales: Design, manufacture, assembly, procurement, sales and distribution of broad range of products including lawn, garden and agricultural tools, wood saws, contractors' tools, hacksaw blades, engineers' tools, wood-turning tools. Operates in UK, France, Australia, New Zealand.
2. Precision Measurement Division: Design, manufacture, procurement and distribution of precision shop-floor contact and non-contact measuring instruments for automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas markets. Products exported to more than 50 countries worldwide.
3. Magnetic Technologies Division: Supplies diverse range of over 20,000 products including high-performance magnetic filtration and separation systems, magnetic tools and materials, work-holding, lifting and handling systems to automotive, aerospace, food processing and pharmaceutical, plumbing and heating, and oil and gas sectors.
4. Licensing Programme: Spear & Jackson licensing programme has caught traction and contributed significantly to the group's bottom line. Partnerships include air treatment products with Benross Marketing, Kew Gardens Collection brand extensions.
5. Retail Operations: Turners Retreat operates retail outlet in Doncaster with both in-store and online sales, including woodworking courses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Spear & Jackson Group designs, manufactures, assembles and distributes hand and garden tools, hacksaw blades, woodturning tools, precision measurement instruments (bore gauges, micrometers, vision systems, profile projectors) and magnetic technologies (industrial magnetic filtration and separation systems, magnetic lifters, work-holding and pipeline separators). It sells these through its own sub-brands — Spear & Jackson, Eclipse Professional Tools, Robert Sorby, Bowers, Baty International, Moore & Wright, CV Instruments, Eclipse Magnetics, BoilerMag and Ultrafiltrex — to industrial customers in automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, food processing and pharmaceuticals, and to consumers and tradespeople via retailers, distributors and own-brand e-commerce.

Product overview

Spear & Jackson Group is a global business comprising eight operating companies with over 265 years of industrial heritage. The company operates three main divisions: Tools (Spear & Jackson, Eclipse Professional Tools, Robert Sorby), Precision Measurement (Bowers, Baty International, Moore & Wright, CV Instruments), and Magnetic Technologies (Eclipse Magnetics, BoilerMag, Ultrafiltrex). The Tools division produces garden tools, contractors' tools, hacksaw blades, wood-turning tools, and plumbing tools. The Precision Measurement division designs and manufactures bore gauges, micrometers, vision systems, and profile projectors for industrial customers. The Magnetic Technologies division produces high-performance magnetic filtration systems, magnetic separators, lifting/handling systems, and pipeline separators. Individual product brands include Micromag magnetic filters, BoilerMagXC, BoilerMag XT, DigiMic digital micrometers, Baty Venture FV series vision systems, Ultralift+ magnetic lifters, and the Razorsharp cutting tool range. Turners Retreat serves as the retail arm for woodturning products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Spear & Jackson: Garden tools, agricultural tools, contractors' tools, hacksaw blades, wood-turning tools, plumber's tools, and landscaping tools operating in UK, France, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Eclipse Professional Tools
• Robert Sorby
• Bowers
• Baty International
• Moore & Wright
• CV Instruments
• Eclipse Magnetics
• Boilermag
• Ultrafiltrex

Products and services

• Spear & Jackson Tools Range of garden, agricultural, contractors', wood saws, engineers', wood-turning and plumber's hand tools including the Razorsharp cutting range and Kew Gardens Collection; sold through retailers, garden centres, distributors and own-brand e-commerce in the UK, France, Australia and New Zealand.
• Eclipse Professional Tools Professional workshop tools including Eclipse hacksaw blades, wormdrive hose clips (Kitemark certified to BS5315:1991) and professional hand tools aimed at trade and industrial customers; branded with the distinctive bright blue Eclipse identity.
• Robert Sorby Woodturning Tools Specialist woodturning tools and accessories combining traditional Sheffield craftsmanship with modern CNC manufacturing; sold globally via stockists and the Turners Retreat retail outlet in Doncaster.
• Bowers Precision Measurement Precision bore gauges and contact measuring instruments for automotive, aerospace and oil & gas manufacturing, including Bluetooth/IoT-enabled digital micrometers integrated with Sylvac software for Industry 4.0 metrology.
• Baty International Vision Systems and Profile Projectors Precision measurement instruments including field-of-view vision machines, profile projectors and specialised gauging solutions for industrial quality control.
• Moore & Wright Precision Hand Measurement High-quality precision measurement hand tools including micrometers, height gauges, calipers, indicators and workshop measurement instruments with over 100 years of heritage.
• CV Instruments Precision Measurement Precision measurement instruments within the Bowers Group portfolio serving industrial metrology customers.
• Eclipse Magnetics Filtration, Separation and Magnetic Tools High-performance magnetic filtration and separation systems (Micromag, Pneumag, Autofiltrex, Automag, FiltraMag+), magnetic tools and materials, work-holding systems, and lifting/handling systems (Ultralift, Ultralift+); manufactured in Sheffield under ISO 9001 with EHEDG certification for food/pharma applications.
• BoilerMag Heating System Filters Magnetic heating system filters for domestic, commercial and industrial applications including BoilerMag Domestic, BoilerMagXC (patented Dual-Flow) and BoilerMag XT, designed to protect heating systems from iron-oxide sludge.
• Ultrafiltrex Pipeline Separators Pipeline separators for the oil and gas industry providing high-performance magnetic solutions to pipeline corrosion problems.
• Bowers DigiMic Digital External Micrometer Digital external micrometer with 2 µm maximum permissible error, IP67 rating and Bluetooth/IoT connectivity for Industry 4.0-ready shop-floor measurement and data sharing.
• Micromag Magnetic Filtration Systems High-performance patented magnetic filtration systems for removing ferrous particles from cutting fluids and dielectric fluids in EDM machining, grinding and other industrial processes; captures contamination down to micron size without filter blockage.
• Ultralift+ Permanent Magnetic Lifters Permanent magnetic lifters for safe, efficient lifting and handling of steel blocks and components with single-face access and integral safety mechanisms, providing a safer alternative to slings and chains.
• Baty Venture FV Series Vision Machines Field-of-view vision machines offering fast and accurate measurements of multiple parts with automatic measuring, dimensioning and ultra-fast reporting for industrial quality control.
• Turners Retreat Woodturning Retail Retail outlet and online store for Robert Sorby woodturning tools, Peter Child pyrography machines and woodworking accessories, also offering woodworking courses; serves both consumers and trade woodturners.
• Razorsharp High-Reach Pruning Tools Consumer and trade high-reach pruning tools in the Razorsharp cutting range, including telescopic long-reach cutters and lightweight fibreglass-handle tree pruners reaching up to 11 feet, each backed by a 10-year guarantee.
• Eclipse Magnetics Online Shop Eclipse Magnetics' own e-commerce storefront selling industrial magnetic filtration, separation and handling products plus standard magnets directly to customers via a modern online shop.

Quantifiable outcome

• Micromag filter achieves 17-30% increase in EDM machine cutting speeds, £200,000 annual cost saving
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Hawley Tool CollectionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to create 'Britain's Tool Factory' exhibition at Kelham Island Museum showcasing Moore & Wright brand history and products
• Orchis Floral DesignsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Sheffield-based company creating floral displays for Spear & Jackson stand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, collaborative working between two Sheffield companies
• University of Wolverhampton Racing Team (UWR)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Eclipse Magnetics official sponsor providing magnetic tools expertise to student motorsport team as part of School of Engineering engagement for future engineering talent
• Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA)minorOthers · 1 January 2021UK-based trade association representing companies in precision engineering, rapid product development, toolmaking, and manufacturing. Eclipse Magnetics joined to support UK manufacturers post-pandemic
• Kleenoil Filtration India Pvt Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading supplier of industrial oil and coolant filters in Indian Sub-Continent, distributes Eclipse Magnetics Micromag filters to major manufacturers including Sansera Engineering Ltd. and Hero Motocorp
• Sodi-tech EDM Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal supplier and manufacturer of EDM machines, partnered with Eclipse Magnetics in R&D programmes to trial Micromag magnetic filters for EDM process improvement at ADM Precision Tools
• Q8 OilscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of industrial oils and coolant filters, introduced concept of magnetic filtration to European material producer and facilitated Eclipse Micromag installation
• Inspired PLCminorOthersPartnered with Bowers Group to measure carbon balance sheet and set Net Zero target as part of sustainability journey
• Qing Mu Metals (Hong Kong)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreviously distributed competitor products, now distributes Eclipse Professional Tools after being impressed by quality and performance. Already doubled sales in the region
• C WoermanncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner in Nigeria for dealer meetings and training programs, roadshow demonstrating Eclipse Predator as best performing hacksaw blade
• CarbateccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian distributor that organized Robert Sorby demonstration tour covering 32 shows in Australia and New Zealand with over 800 wood turners attending
• HomebasecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK retailer partnership for garden tools in 600 stores starting Spring 2020, covering Digging, Cultivating and Cutting Tools categories
• Benross MarketingcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLeading UK supplier of electrical homewares and appliances, licensing partnership for Air Treatment products including de-humidifiers, diffusers, air purifiers and temperature-control products
• SylvaccoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for connected metrology - Bowers DigiMic connects with Sylvac IoT devices and Sylcom data collection software for integrated measurement reporting

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Snap-on: Professional-grade hand tools, diagnostics, and workshop equipment sold through franchise and direct channels, closely mirroring S&J's Eclipse Professional Tools and Bowers metrology professional-customer focus.
• Fluke Corporation: Industrial test, measurement, and diagnostic tools (digital multimeters, thermal imaging, calibration) competing directly with Bowers/Baty precision instruments for the same automotive and aerospace QA buyers.
• Renishaw: UK-based precision measurement and calibration specialist (probing, gauging, encoder systems) overlapping significantly with Bowers Group and CV Instruments in shop-floor metrology and Industry 4.0 applications.
• Fiskars: Helsinki-based global garden-tools, crafting, and home-improvement brand (Fiskars, Gerber, Gilmour) directly competing with Spear & Jackson Razorsharp and Kew Gardens ranges in consumer and prosumer garden retail.
• Mitutoyo: World leader in precision measurement (micrometers, calipers, vision systems, CMMs) directly competing with Bowers, Baty, and Moore & Wright in automotive, aerospace, and industrial quality-control markets.
• Stanley Black & Decker: Global hand-tool, power-tool, and fastening giant (Stanley, DeWalt, Craftsman, Black+Decker, Irwin) competing directly with Spear & Jackson across garden tools, contractor tools, and industrial markets worldwide.
• Hilti: Premium construction and contractor power tools, hand tools, and software services targeting the same trades professionals that buy Eclipse Professional and Spear & Jackson contractor products.

Broad incumbents

• Robert Bosch (Bosch Power Tools): Diversified industrial conglomerate with a substantial power-tools and accessories division (Bosch, Dremel, RotoZip) competing across S&J's garden, contractor, and DIY segments as a broader-portfolio incumbent.
• Stihl: Global leader in outdoor power equipment (chainsaws, trimmers, blowers); competes with Spear & Jackson's garden-tools range in dealer and garden-centre retail across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Emerging players

• Walter Tools: Precision cutting tools and tool accessories manufacturer serving metalworking customers comparable to Bowers Metrology and Eclipse Magnetics' industrial-process filtration adjacent buyers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries16 records

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 Spear and Jackson