What Supaseal does

Supaseal (UK) Ltd is a UK-based industrial sealing-components distributor founded in 1991 in Market Harborough and now operating as AFC Seals & O-Rings, a division of AFC Europe Ltd following a 2024 rebrand and integration with EAP Seals. The company's product portfolio is centred on O-rings — held in stock at over 30 million units across 50,000+ inventory lines and 15,000+ live stock lines, with variants in Nitrile, FKM/Viton, Silicone, EPDM, PTFE and other elastomers — and extends into rotary shaft seals, bonded seals, wiper seals, V-rings, quad rings, backup rings, distributor seals, end caps, gaskets, circlips, and custom rubber mouldings supplied to customer drawings. Supporting accessories such as splicing kits, O-ring gauges, PI tape, digital calipers, and pre-assembled kit boxes round out the catalogue. The firm is ISO 9001:2015 accredited, holds RoHS and REACH compliance statements, and is documented as capable of supplying non-standard sizes, materials, hardness, or colour O-rings without tooling costs.

The business model is straightforward industrial distribution with a sales-led go-to-market: a friendly experienced sales team handles phone, fax, email, and online enquiries; a physical trade counter operates at the Market Harborough warehouse; credit accounts with 30-day terms and a low £2 minimum are available to business customers, while cash sales carry a £25 minimum plus carriage and VAT. Customer segments span OEMs, distributors, bearing companies, and valve/actuator firms — both domestically and in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and the Far East — with bespoke moulded parts and kits built to specification for higher-value accounts. Worldwide shipping is handled via UPS, with export orders also available on an EXW basis for collection by customer-nominated agents.

The competitive positioning rests on inventory scale (30 million+ O-rings and 15,000+ live lines for ex-stock shipment), a four-unit Midlands warehouse footprint plus a Heywood site, multi-decade operating history, and the ability to fulfil non-standard specials without tooling charges. The 2024 integration under AFC Europe Ltd combined Supaseal with EAP Seals into the AFC Seals & O-Rings division, creating a broader sealing-solutions platform but leaving the underlying technology base — physical inventory, catalogue, and direct sales — unchanged.

Name

Supaseal

Legal name

Supaseal (UK) Ltd

Website

https://supaseal.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Supaseal (UK) Ltd is a UK-based industrial sealing-components distributor, founded 1991, supplying O-rings, seals, circlips and related hardware to OEMs, distributors, bearing companies, and valve/actuator firms worldwide, now operating as AFC Seals & O-Rings under AFC Europe Ltd.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Sealing Components

SIC

Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Seals, Gaskets & Fluid Connectors (O-rings, packings, rotary seals, quick couplers) (IMAHAGAI)

Keywords

• Industrial sealing components
• O-ring supplier
• Rotary shaft seals
• Circlips and washers
• Bespoke rubber mouldings

Headquarters

HQ city

Loughborough

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Supaseal generates revenue through the sale of O-rings, seals, circlips, washers, and related industrial components. They offer both standard off-the-shelf products and bespoke moulded parts and kits. The company sells to distributors, OEMs, and bearing companies domestically and internationally.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Supaseal is a global supplier of O-rings, seals, circlips, washers, gaskets, and related industrial sealing components founded in 1991 in Market Harborough, UK. The company holds over 30 million O-rings in stock across 15,000+ live product lines and 50,000+ inventory lines, supplying both standard off-the-shelf items and bespoke moulded parts and kits built to customer specification. Products are sold to distributors, OEMs, bearing companies, and major valve and actuator manufacturers, with worldwide shipping via UPS and ex-stock availability for most orders.

Product overview

Supaseal (UK) Ltd is a global supplier of O-rings, seals, and related industrial components established in 1991 and now operating as AFC Seals & O-Rings, a division of AFC Europe Ltd. The product portfolio centers on O-rings as the core product offering, available in extensive material variants (Nitrile, FPM/Viton, Silicone, EPDM, PTFE, etc.) with over 30 million units in stock. Supporting the core O-ring line, the company offers O-ring tools (splicing kits, gauges, PI tape, digital calipers) and various seal types including oil seals, bonded seals, wiper seals, distributor seals, V-rings, quad rings, backup rings, RB/gamma seals, gaskets, end caps, and rubber mouldings. The company also supplies complementary hardware including circlips, E-clips, split pins, spring roll pins, fibre washers, grease nipples, and copper sealing washers—many sold individually or as pre-assembled kit boxes. Specialised offerings include PTFE products in various filled variants and custom rubber mouldings. The business operates from four warehouse units in Market Harborough, UK, with over 50,000 inventory lines and 15,000+ live stock lines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• O-rings Core O-ring product range available in Nitrile (Buna/NBR), Fluoroelastomer (FPM/FKM/Viton), Silicone, Fluorosilicone, EPDM, Chloroprene/Neoprene, PTFE, Polyurethane, and FEP encapsulated variants. Stock of 30 million-plus O-rings with non-standard sizes, materials, hardness, and colours available without tooling costs. For OEMs, distributors, bearing companies, and industrial buyers.
• O-ring Cord Endless extruded cord with O-ring profile for cord rings (cold bond joined or vulcanised) used as static seals for large O-rings and for sealing flanges and container lids. Available in FPM, Silicone, Neoprene, and FEP encapsulated materials. For industrial sealing applications requiring large-diameter static seals.
• O-ring Kit Boxes Pre-assembled kit boxes containing O-rings in various sizes and materials. BOXH metric kit includes 30 sizes (404 pieces) in NBR70 Shore A. BOXG imperial kit includes 30 sizes (382 pieces). Available in Nitrile 90 shore and FPM 75 shore. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Bonded Seals Metal washers with vulcanised rubber inserts for high-pressure applications. Available in Imperial, German Metric, and French Metric sizes with various metals and sealing materials. Self-centralising form available. For high-pressure sealing in industrial and hydraulic applications.
• Bonded Seals Kits Pre-assembled kits of bonded seals in Imperial and Metric sizes. Imperial Kit B1 covers 1/8 to 1 inch BSP; Kit B2 adds 1.1/4 to 2 inch BSP. Metric Kit BM covers 6mm to 30mm. For maintenance teams, distributors, and engineering buyers.
• End Caps All-in-one blanking caps with rubber-covered case for push-fit sealing of bearings where the shaft does not pass through the housing wall. Used to seal holes in gearboxes and engine cases. For industrial and automotive maintenance.
• Wiper Seals Seals that prevent ingress of dust and dirt to extend the working life of protected seals. Available in Nitrile, Nitrile metal cased, Polyurethane, and Polyurethane metal cased variants. For hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder applications.
• Distributor Seals Seals with asymmetric lip profiles available in DI (internal) and DE (external) styles, in FPM (Viton) material as standard. For distributor mechanisms and engine applications.
• Oil Seals Rotary shaft seals (also called lip seals) in Viton, Silicone, and Leather materials. Designed to exclude dirt, dust, and water while maintaining lubricant for the seal lip and protecting rotating bearings. For rotary shaft applications in industrial machinery.
• RB Seals (Gamma Seals) Rotary shaft seals designed for uncomplicated and efficient sealing to prevent ingress of dirt and liquid. Protects bearings and conventional radial seals in dirty and demanding applications. For heavy-duty industrial rotary shaft environments.
• V-rings Axial seals for shafts and bearings, sealing against the counterface. Effective against dust, dirt, water, and oil splash. Available in VA, VS, and VL types in Nitrile and FPM as standard. For shaft sealing in industrial rotating equipment.
• Gaskets Gaskets in CNAF, nitrile, commercial rubber, neoprene, FPM/Viton, silicone, PTFE, polyurethane, and other materials. Supplied to customer drawings for automotive and general engineering applications. For OEMs and engineering buyers requiring custom gasket geometries.
• Quad Rings 4-lobe section seals offering symmetry advantages similar to O-rings with improved solution for pneumatic applications. Available in Nitrile as standard, in British Imperial O-Ring range sizes. For pneumatic sealing applications.
• Backup Rings Rings available in Solid Split PTFE (for pressures above 100 bar), Spiral PTFE (for temperature fluctuations), and Parbak NBR (moulded one-piece contoured design). Used to eliminate O-ring extrusion in high-pressure or temperature-variable applications.
• Circlips and E-clips Internal and external circlips providing load-bearing shoulders for shafts and bores. Prefix 1300 indicates internal, 1400 indicates external. Range includes E-Clips, Wire Rings, Snap Rings, Grooveless Circlips, and circlip pliers. For fastener and assembly applications in engineering.
• Circlips Kit Pre-assembled kits of Internal and External Circlips in carbon sprung steel with phosphate and oil finish. Available in Imperial (1/8 to 1.1/4 inch) and Metric (4-32mm) sizes. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• E-clips Kit Pre-assembled kits containing Imperial E Clip Kit Pack 5 (1/8 to 7/8 inch) and Metric E Clip Kit Pack 6 (1.9mm to 10mm). For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Split Pins Kit Kit containing Large Split Pins AB26 (220 pieces) and Imperial Split Pins Zinc AB25 (1000 pieces). For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Fibre Washers Kit Kit containing Imperial Fibre Washers AB31 with 600 pieces. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Grease Nipples Kit Kit containing AB99 Grease Nipple Imperial/Gas Threads and AB100 Grease Nipples Metric Threads with 125 pieces total. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Spring Roll Pins Kit Kit containing Imperial Spring Roll Pins AB28 and Metric Spring Roll Pins AB95 (300 pieces total). Carbon steel, available in imperial and metric. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Copper Sealing Washers Kit Kits containing Imperial Copper Sealing Rings AB32 and Metric Copper Washer Kit AB92 in assorted contents. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops.
• Selon and Seloc Washers Nylon covered sealing washers. Selon is self-retaining and resistant to oils and fuels (up to 200lb/in², 100°C). Seloc is a shake-proof washer with rubber covering that resists vibration and reduces corrosion risk. For fastener and assembly sealing applications.
• PTFE Products Precision-made seals and components to individual specification. Available in Virgin PTFE (cryogenic applications), Bronze filled PTFE (dynamic sealing), Graphite filled PTFE (high-speed applications), and Glass-filled PTFE (high dynamic applications). Working temperature range -195°C to +250°C. For demanding industrial sealing environments.
• Rubber Mouldings Custom rubber mouldings supplied to customer drawings in many shapes and materials in large or small quantities. Special O-rings available where standard tools are not available. For OEMs and industrial buyers requiring bespoke rubber components.
• Splicing Kit Kits for making custom O-rings from cord stock. Includes Splicing Kit S (11) and Kit SL (16), containing cord in various sizes, splicing tool, knife, glue, and block. For maintenance teams and engineering workshops producing custom-sized O-rings.
• National O-ring Gauge Handheld gauge for determining British Standard size O-rings using section slots and silhouette matching for small rings, and a spindle system for larger rings. For maintenance engineers and workshops identifying O-ring sizes.
• PI Tape Heavy-duty plastic coated tape for accurate measurement of inside diameters from 50 to 500mm. For maintenance engineers measuring internal diameters for sealing applications.
• Digital Caliper Precision measuring tool for O-ring sizes featuring external/internal measuring jaws, depth blade, SAE and metric scale, LCD display, and zero/conversion switches. For maintenance engineers and quality inspectors.

Named customers4 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

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• AFC Europe LtdcoreOthersSupaseal (UK) Ltd has been integrated as AFC Seals & O-Rings, a division of AFC Europe Ltd. The division combines the capabilities and technical experience of Supaseal and EAP Seals, operating out of two sites in Market Harborough and Heywood. Supaseal products are now sold under the AFC Europe umbrella, with the parent company providing the organizational structure for the combined sealing solutions business.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• EAP Seals (AFC Europe sister division): UK sealing distributor now merged with Supaseal under AFC Seals & O-Rings. Direct comparable in product range and customer segments, and now a sister business under the same parent.
• Daemar Inc. North American distributor of O-rings, seals, gaskets, and retaining rings with custom-engineering and kitting services. Direct overlap with Supaseal's O-ring core, custom kits, and industrial customer base.
• Apple Rubber Products: US-based designer and manufacturer of O-rings and custom sealing solutions, offering standard and specialty elastomer products. Highly comparable to Supaseal in core product set (O-rings, custom seals) and customer base (OEMs, distributors).
• TRP Polymer Solutions: UK-based specialist in high-performance O-rings, seals, and gaskets, including PTFE and elastomer compounds. Closely comparable UK-headquartered competitor serving similar OEMs and distributors with comparable product depth.
• Allied Rubber & Gasket Co. Distributor of rubber products, gaskets, O-rings, and sealing components with custom fabrication services. Comparable product breadth, customer profile, and distribution model to Supaseal.
• Marco Rubber & Plastics: US-headquartered distributor of O-rings, custom rubber seals, and gaskets serving OEMs and distributors globally. Directly comparable as a specialist sealing-products distributor with catalogue, custom moulding, and global shipping — competing with Supaseal for the same customer segments.
• Atlantic Rubber Company: US distributor of O-rings, gaskets, and sealing products with strong catalogue and custom capability. Closely matches Supaseal's distribution-led model serving industrial OEM and distributor customers.

Broad incumbents

• Eriks: European industrial service provider distributing sealing products, gaskets, and MRO supplies across multiple countries. Overlaps with Supaseal in the UK/European sealing-distribution market but operates a far broader multi-product industrial portfolio.
• Parker Hannifin (O-Ring Division): Multinational motion and control technologies group with one of the largest O-ring and seal product lines globally. Competes with Supaseal across distributor and OEM channels as part of a much broader industrial portfolio.
• Trelleborg Sealing Solutions: Global manufacturer and distributor of precision O-rings, rotary seals, and engineered polymer solutions. Overlaps directly with Supaseal's product set but at vastly greater scale, with proprietary materials and direct OEM programmes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Supaseal