Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies Ltd is a UK-based e-commerce distributor selling 50,000+ welding machines, consumables, safety gear, and metalworking products from 30+ premium brands to professional welders, trade accounts, agricultural, automotive, education, and hobbyist customers worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersCosham, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies does
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies Ltd is a UK-based industrial e-commerce distributor of welding equipment, consumables, and metalworking supplies, headquartered at Unit 2D, Portchester Park, Hamilton Road, Cosham, Hampshire (Company Registration No. 243 1802). The company operates a direct-to-customer digital storefront supported by phone sales (+44 (0) 23 92 214 214), email enquiry handling, trade-account workflows, and a Retrieve Quote system for complex equipment. The catalog spans more than 50,000 SKUs from 30+ premium brands including Lincoln Electric, Kemppi, Hypertherm, Miller, ESAB, Fronius, Optrel, 3M Speedglas, PATON, Bohler, CK Worldwide, and Plymovent, with exclusive UK distribution of Fanuci & Falcon laser welding systems. The site supports nine currencies (GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CHF, PLN, NOK, DKK, SEK) and ships worldwide, with free UK delivery over £75 ex VAT and free European delivery over £500 ex VAT. Credentials include ISO 9001 quality certification, JOSCAR supply-chain accreditation, and Cyber Essentials.
The product offering covers Arc/MMA, MIG, TIG, and Plasma welding machines, engine-driven welders, laser welders and cleaners, fume extraction, welding tables and positioners, plus a consumables tail of filler wire, tungsten electrodes, MMA electrodes, abrasives, torch coolants, and chemical aids. Revenue is generated through three streams: hardware sales of welding machines and accessories (largest ticket items), recurring aftermarket consumables (filler wire, electrodes, abrasives, PPE), and services including equipment hire via rentarc.com and a dedicated maintenance/repair department at rapidweldingservice.com. Pricing is displayed ex-VAT with quote retrieval for complex equipment, volume discounts on select SKUs, and Pay-in-3 availability via PayPal for UK consumers. Trade accounts with dedicated account management target business buyers.
The customer mix spans professional industrial welders and fabricators as the primary segment, with secondary verticals in agricultural equipment repair, vehicle repair shops, education/training institutions, and hobbyist/DIY welders. Marketing is digital-first: SEO-optimised category and product pages, a knowledge centre and blog, full-funnel organic social across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, email newsletters, and occasional community events such as the Women's Trade Fit Evening. Trustpilot rating is "Excellent," and the company holds JOSCAR accreditation enabling aerospace and defence procurement. The underlying technology stack is a transactional e-commerce platform with quote retrieval; no AI/ML capabilities are evident in the documented functionality.
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies
- Legal name
- Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies Ltd
- Website
- https://rapidwelding.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies Ltd is a UK-based e-commerce distributor selling 50,000+ welding machines, consumables, safety gear, and metalworking products from 30+ premium brands to professional welders, trade accounts, agricultural, automotive, education, and hobbyist customers worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Welding Equipment Distribution
- NAICS
- Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing (333992), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Welding & Plasma Power Supplies (Industrial welders, cutting power sources) (IMAGADAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Welding & Cutting Gases (IMAEACAH), Flame & Heat Protective Foundry/Welding Apparel (CRAAALAL)
Keywords
Where Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cosham
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Welding Equipment Sales: Sale of welding machines including MIG, TIG, Arc, Plasma Cutters, and specialty equipment from premium brands (Lincoln, Kemppi, Hypertherm, Miller, Fronius, PATON). Products sold at ex-VAT pricing with volume discounts and special offers.
- Consumables & Supplies: Sale of filler wires, electrodes, gases, abrasives, safety equipment, and workshop consumables. Consumables represent ongoing revenue through repeat purchases.
- Service Department: Service department for equipment maintenance and welding equipment hire services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard product pricing with volume discounts on select items |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels10 records
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies is a UK-based distributor of more than 50,000 welding and metalworking products sold primarily through an e-commerce storefront and trade accounts. The offering spans welding machines (Arc/MMA, MIG, TIG, Plasma, Laser, Engine Driven), consumables (filler wires, electrodes, abrasives, chemical aids), workshop equipment (welding tables, positioners, rotators), and personal protective equipment (auto-darkening helmets, fume extraction). They also operate an equipment hire service and a welding equipment service/repair department.
Product overview
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies is a UK-based industrial e-commerce platform offering over 50,000 welding and metalworking products. The core offering centers on welding equipment (Arc/MMA, MIG, TIG, Plasma, and Laser welders) complemented by an extensive range of consumables (filler wires, electrodes, abrasives, chemicals), workshop equipment (GPPH welding tables, positioners, rotators), and safety gear (auto-darkening helmets, fume extraction). They distribute branded product lines (Lincoln, Kemppi, Hypertherm, ESAB, Miller, Paton, Fanuci/Falcon, CK Worldwide) alongside value-focused own-brand offerings. Services include equipment hire, repair/maintenance, online quoting, multi-currency payment, and worldwide shipping with free UK delivery over £75.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Arc Welders Arc welding machines for stick welding applications, including MMA inverter technology for industrial users.
- MIG Welders Metal Inert Gas welding machines for semi-automatic welding with filler wire feed systems.
- TIG Welders Tungsten Inert Gas welding machines for precision welding with argon gas shielding.
- Plasma Cutters Plasma cutting equipment for precision metal cutting using ionized gas plasma, including Hypertherm Powermax series.
- Laser Welders & Cleaners Advanced laser welding and cleaning systems including Fanuci and Falcon laser products for automation applications.
- Engine Driven Welders Diesel and petrol-powered welding machines for field and site work without electrical power.
- Fume Extraction Equipment Welding fume extraction systems to protect operators from hazardous welding fumes, including Plymovent brand products.
- Weld Positioning Equipment Weld positioners and rotators to manipulate workpieces for optimal welding angles and improved productivity.
- GPPH Welding Tables Configurable welding tables and workbenches for workshop assembly and welding fixture needs.
- Cold Wire Feeders Automated cold wire feeding systems for TIG welding to increase productivity and consistency.
- Gas Purging Tools Tools for gas purging during pipe and tube welding to prevent oxidation and ensure clean welds.
- Welding Helmets & PPE Auto-darkening welding helmets, air-fed systems, and personal protective equipment including 3M Speedglas and Optrel brands.
- MIG Filler Wire MIG welding wire in various alloys including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
- TIG Filler Wire & Tungsten Electrodes TIG welding rods and tungsten electrodes for precision welding applications.
- MMA Electrodes Stick electrodes for arc welding including low hydrogen, rutile, and stainless steel varieties.
- Abrasives Abrasive products including SAIT, Spectre, and 3M brands for grinding and finishing applications.
- Chemical Aids Anti-spatter sprays, brazing flux, cleaners, NDT inspection sprays, and torch coolants for welding support.
- Tool & Equipment Hire Equipment rental service for welding machines and tools through their service department.
- Welding Equipment Service & Repair Maintenance and repair services for welding equipment via the dedicated rapidweldingservice.com service department.
- Torch Coolants Water-based cooling liquids for water-cooled welding torches including Binzel, Hypertherm, Miller, and Fronius brands.
Companies that use Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Fanuci & Falcon (Advanced Laser Solutions)coreExclusive UK distributor for Fanuci & Falcon laser systems including laser welders, cleaners, and automation equipment. Advanced Laser Solutions marketed as a key differentiator.
- Lincoln ElectriccoreExtensive range of Lincoln Electric products including welding machines, wire feeders, consumables, and accessories. One of the primary branded product lines with 671+ products.
- KemppicoreFinnish welding equipment manufacturer. Products include Master M series, Kemppi MIG parts and warranty support.
- HyperthermcorePlasma cutting equipment including Powermax series. Plasma cutters and torch consumables.
- PATONcoreUkrainian welding equipment manufacturer. PATON MultiPRO multi-process welders and Paton welding heritage meets modern performance positioning.
- Miller ElectriccoreUS welding equipment manufacturer. Products include Miller welders and Low Conductivity Coolant.
- ESABcoreGlobal welding equipment and consumables manufacturer.
- FroniuscoreAustrian welding equipment manufacturer. Products include Fronius welding torches and torch cooling liquids.
- OptrelcoreSwiss welding helmet and respiratory protection manufacturer. Products include Swiss Air PAPR systems.
- 3M SpeedglascoreWelding helmets and face protection. 3M Speedglas warranty information supported.
- CK WorldwidecoreTIG torches and cold wire feeders including CK Diamond series. American innovation with German precision positioning.
- Bohler WeldingminorBrazing and welding consumables specialist.
- Furick TIGminorTIG welding consumables and accessories including Freddicello trailing purge system.
- PlymoventminorFume extraction equipment for welding safety.
- GPPH Welding TablesminorBuild-your-own welding tables with configuration options.
- EWMminorGerman welding equipment manufacturer. Products include BlueCool coolant.
- OrbitalumminorOrbital welding and pipe processing equipment including Orbitalum pipe machines and GF sawblades.
- GasiQminorGas equipment specialist for welding gas delivery and regulation.
- Harris Gas EquipmentminorGas torches, regulators, and gas equipment.
- SpiderhandminorTIG welding gloves and protective equipment.
- CEPROminorWelding curtains and safety equipment.
- Key Plant AutomationminorAutomation equipment for welding applications.
- FEINminorPower tools and magnetic drilling equipment.
- HMT HolemakerminorMagnetic drilling and holemaking equipment.
- SAIT AbrasivesminorAbrasive products including SAIT, Spectre, and 3M abrasives.
- BesseyminorClamps and magnetic tools.
- Jackson SafetyminorPersonal protective equipment for welding.
- BesterminorMMA welders and welding equipment.
- GullcominorWelding automation and positioning equipment.
- LC LasersminorLaser welding and cleaning equipment.
- Smooth RoboticsminorRobotic welding integration.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Kemppi (UK): Finnish welding equipment manufacturer with UK presence selling MIG/TIG equipment and automation. Comparable as a premium-brand manufacturer whose products Rapid Welding distributes, and as an alternative direct purchase channel for UK buyers.
- Lincoln Electric (UK): Global welding equipment manufacturer with direct UK sales channels and authorized distributor network. Comparable as a competing supplier of welding machines, consumables, and automation, with the added risk of manufacturer-direct disintermediation.
- Toolstation: UK-wide trade tools and consumables retailer with growing welding category offering. Comparable as a competitor for hobbyist and small trade welding equipment and consumables purchases, with stronger national footprint.
- ESAB (UK): Global welding and cutting equipment manufacturer with UK operations selling direct and through distributors. Comparable as a supplier of welding machines, consumables, and automation products overlapping Rapid Welding's catalog.
- RS Components (UK): Major UK industrial and electronics distributor with a welding and PPE category. Comparable as a broadline MRO supplier competing for the same B2B trade buyer wallet share with deeper catalogs and credit terms.
Direct peers
- Weldability Sif: UK-based welding equipment and consumables specialist offering MIG/TIG/arc equipment, filler metals, and PPE. Directly comparable as a UK welding distributor serving similar professional welder and fabricator customer segments.
- Westwood Industrial Supplies: UK-based welding and industrial supplies distributor offering welding machines, consumables, and PPE. Comparable as a similarly-positioned UK welding specialist distributor competing for the same trade and SME customer segments.
- Air Products UK: Major UK industrial and welding gas supplier offering shielding gases, cutting gases, and related equipment. Comparable as a UK distributor of welding inputs and equipment accessories serving professional welders.
- BOC Gases UK: UK industrial and welding gas supplier (part of Linde). Comparable as a distributor of welding and cutting gases plus related equipment, serving the same professional welder and fabrication customer base.
- Cromwell Tools: UK industrial supplies distributor offering welding, cutting, PPE, abrasives, and tools alongside broader MRO categories. Directly comparable product overlap (welding consumables, equipment, safety) with a UK e-commerce storefront serving trade accounts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies social profiles
Digital presenceRapid Welding and Industrial Supplies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies 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 Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies
What does Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies do?
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies is a UK-based distributor of more than 50,000 welding and metalworking products sold primarily through an e-commerce storefront and trade accounts. The offering spans welding machines (Arc/MMA, MIG, TIG, Plasma, Laser, Engine Driven), consumables (filler wires, electrodes, abrasives, chemical aids), workshop equipment (welding tables, positioners, rotators), and personal protective equipment (auto-darkening helmets, fume extraction). They also operate an equipment hire service and a welding equipment service/repair department.
Is Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies a public or private company?
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies founded?
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies was founded in 1990. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies based?
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies is headquartered in Cosham, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Welding Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are consumables & Supplies and service Department.
Who are Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Kemppi (UK), Lincoln Electric (UK), Toolstation, ESAB (UK) and RS Components (UK). Direct peers are Weldability Sif, Westwood Industrial Supplies, Air Products UK, BOC Gases UK and Cromwell Tools.
Does Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies.
What industry is Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies in?
Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies's product category is Industrial Welding Equipment Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGADAI, Welding & Plasma Power Supplies (Industrial welders, cutting power sources), with a secondary code of IMAEACAH, Welding & Cutting Gases. Its NAICS code is 333992 and its SIC code is 5084.