Wessex Resins & Adhesives

What Wessex Resins & Adhesives does

Wessex Resins & Adhesives Limited is a UK-based specialist epoxy resin formulator and manufacturer founded in 1981, headquartered and manufacturing from Romsey, Hampshire, with a Dublin-registered entity supplying EU distributors. The company produces its own WRA brand of underwater, flooring and specialist epoxies alongside three flagship licensed brands — WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET Epoxy and Entropy Resins (the latter using SuperSap biobased technology) — manufactured and distributed under licence from Gougeon Brothers, Inc. for the EMEA region. Core technical capabilities centre on two-part epoxy systems engineered for marine, defence, oil & gas, advanced composites and rail applications, including proprietary underwater-curing formulations that cure at temperatures as low as 3°C and tolerate oil or grease contamination.

The business operates a hybrid commercial model combining direct technical sales (with chemists and technical advisors providing consultation, on-site visits and bespoke formulation support) for enterprise and defence customers with an EMEA distributor network spanning over 25 countries, plus global direct shipping for specialist underwater epoxies and Amazon for smaller-volume WEST SYSTEM and Entropy Resins purchases. Revenue is generated from off-the-shelf product sales, licensing/manufacturing margins on the Gougeon Brothers brands, project-based custom formulation and toll manufacturing under NDA, and multi-year contracts for bespoke systems. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is handled via direct quote or distributor negotiation. The company is ISO 9001:2015, JOSCAR, DNV, Cyber Essentials and USDA Certified Biobased accredited, holds Living Wage Employer status, and operates a 350+ panel solar installation that powers 100% of factory electricity for seven months of the year.

In December 2025, Wessex was acquired by Iron Path Capital as part of PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems LLC, consolidating it with Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (acquired by Iron Path in May 2025) under a transatlantic composites platform. The transition triggered a leadership change with Sam Oliver succeeding Ian Oliver as Managing Director. Recent commercial activity includes a February 2025 launch of BIOinfusion (a 32% biobased composite infusion system), a May 2026 UK distribution partnership with GRP Solutions, a June 2026 MAKE UK Defence membership, and ongoing motorsport and rail custom-formulation engagements with named customers including Revolution Race Cars, Bombardier and Vienna U-Bahn.

Name

Wessex Resins & Adhesives

Legal name

Wessex Resins & Adhesives Limited

Website

https://wessexresins.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Wessex Resins & Adhesives is a UK-based specialist epoxy resin formulator and manufacturer (founded 1981, ~40 staff, Romsey) that produces its own WRA underwater and specialist epoxies alongside licensed WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET and Entropy Resins brands for the EMEA market, serving defence, marine, oil & gas, advanced composites and industrial customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Chemical Manufacturing

NAICS

Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252), Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211), Adhesive Manufacturing (32552)

SIC

Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821), Adhesives & Sealants (2891), Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) (2820)

akta.pro primary industry

Thermoset Resins (Epoxy, Phenolic, Unsaturated Polyester, PU resins) (IMAEANAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Thermoset & Reactive Resin Manufacturing (Epoxy, Polyester, Phenolic, Urethane systems) (IMANAAAC), Adhesives (Structural & Assembly) (IMAEAGAH)

Keywords

• Marine-grade epoxy systems
• Underwater epoxy adhesives
• Composite resin manufacturing
• Biobased epoxy resins
• Custom formulation tolling

Headquarters

HQ city

Romsey

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Epoxy Product Sales: Sale of proprietary and licensed epoxy resin and adhesive products (WRA brand, WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET, Entropy Resins) across marine, defence, oil & gas, and industrial sectors. Both off-the-shelf and bespoke formulations sold directly and through distributors.
2. Custom Formulation & Toll Manufacturing: Bespoke epoxy formulation development and toll manufacturing services for organisations requiring proprietary or custom epoxy systems. Includes full-service raw material sourcing, testing, and ongoing technical support. Revenue generated through product development fees and manufacturing contracts.
3. Licensing Royalties: Manufacturing and distribution of licensed brands (WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET, Entropy Resins) under licence from Gougeon Brothers, Inc. for EMEA region. Revenue includes manufacturing margin and licensing fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Wessex Resins & Adhesives formulates and manufactures high-performance epoxy resin and adhesive systems in the United Kingdom, including marine-grade WEST SYSTEM®, high-performance PRO-SET® composites, biobased Entropy Resins® with SuperSap® technology, and its own WRA brand of specialist underwater and flooring epoxies. The company also offers custom formulation development and toll manufacturing services for clients requiring proprietary or bespoke epoxy systems. Products serve defence, marine, oil & gas, advanced composites, rail, aerospace, and industrial customers.

Product overview

Wessex Resins & Adhesives is a UK-based specialist epoxy manufacturer offering three flagship licensed brands (WEST SYSTEM®, PRO-SET® Epoxy, and Entropy Resins®) manufactured under licence from Gougeon Brothers Inc., alongside its own WRA product line. The portfolio spans marine-grade epoxies, high-performance composite systems, and biobased sustainable solutions. Products range from general-purpose marine adhesives (WEST SYSTEM) to advanced composite systems for aerospace, automotive, and motorsport applications (PRO-SET), and sustainable biobased epoxies (Entropy Resins with SuperSap® technology). The company also offers custom formulation and toll manufacturing services for bespoke epoxy solutions, serving defence, marine, oil & gas, and industrial sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WRA (Wessex Resins & Adhesives Brand): WRA products include underwater epoxy systems, adhesives, primers and putties engineered for defence, marine, and subsea applications.
• WEST SYSTEM
• PRO-SET Epoxy
• Entropy Resins

Products and services

• WRA Specialist Epoxies WRA is the company's own-brand epoxy product range including specialist underwater curing epoxies, moisture-tolerant putties, flooring adhesives, and solvent epoxy sealants engineered for defence, marine, oil & gas, subsea, and transport applications. The range features low-temperature (as low as 3°C) underwater curing capability and tolerance to oil/grease contamination.
• WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy Marine-grade two-part epoxy systems for bonding, laminating, coating, fairing, and filling in boat building, repair, woodworking, and DIY applications. Recognised as one of the best general-purpose marine-grade epoxies in the world with nearly five decades of heritage. Manufactured under licence from Gougeon Brothers, Inc. for EMEA distribution.
• PRO-SET® Epoxy High-performance epoxy systems for advanced composites including laminating, infusion, assembly adhesives, high-temp/tooling, and absolute clear epoxy product lines. Engineered for world-championship-winning boats, race cars, and high-end composite structures. Manufactured under licence from Gougeon Brothers, Inc. for EMEA.
• Entropy Resins® (Biobased Epoxy) Biobased epoxy range using SuperSap® technology manufactured with renewable raw materials. Includes clear laminating, optically brightened laminating, compression moulding, and clear casting systems. Certified under USDA Certified Biobased Product label programme with biobased content independently verified by third-party laboratories.
• Entropy Resins BIOinfusion™ BIOinfusion is a 32% biobased epoxy resin system engineered for composite manufacturing via resin infusion processes. Offers high-temperature stability, long shelf life, simplified mixing ratio, and enhanced air release properties. Targets automotive, wind energy, construction, marine, and consumer goods manufacturers seeking sustainable composite solutions.
• Custom Formulation & Toll Manufacturing Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Underwater epoxies cure at temperatures as low as 3°C
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• MAKE UK DefenceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 June 2026Wessex Resins & Adhesives joined MAKE UK Defence, a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting the UK defence supply chain. Membership provides industry intelligence, connections, and visibility supporting strategic ambitions and long-term commitment to UK defence manufacturing.
• GRP SolutionsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 May 2026Strategic partnership to strengthen access to PRO-SET Epoxy for composite manufacturers throughout the UK. Designed to deliver a stronger, more responsive supply chain and higher standard of technical support for UK composite manufacturers. GRP Solutions is a specialist distributor of high-quality composite materials with locations across the UK.
• Revolution Race CarsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 April 2026Partnership applying advanced composite engineering expertise to design and manufacture of advanced composite race car structures. PRO-SET Epoxy systems used in carbon fibre monocoque construction via resin infusion. Collaboration leverages decades of marine engineering experience applied to motorsport applications. Partnership includes technical collaboration on new designs and production ideas.
• Protect Our Winters UKminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Wessex Resins and Adhesives donates 1% of annual turnover for the Entropy Resins product range to Protect Our Winters UK as part of the 1% for the Planet global movement. This environmental partnership aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability and the Entropy Resins biobased product range.
• Spirit YachtsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 June 2024WEST SYSTEM sponsored the Spirit Yachts Regatta 2024 in Guernsey. Spirit Yachts has been built with WEST SYSTEM for over 30 years. The sponsorship showcased epoxy reliability and performance in marine applications. Partnership includes testing collaboration, production technique development, and staff training.
• Advanced InsulationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Wessex Resins developed a bespoke subsea yellow flow coat formulation for Advanced Insulation's Contratherm product line. The custom formulation improved ROV visibility and provided a hard, glossy, durable coating for offshore oil and gas equipment. Wessex adapted its Wessex 4301 underwater resin to create the unique subsea yellow finish. Wessex Resins is seen as a partner, not just a supplier, by Advanced Insulation.
• Steve Vick InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997Partnership spanning over 25 years supplying Wessex Resins products to multiple sectors including Oil & Gas. Steve Vick International works with Wessex Resins to minimise cost of gas main renewals and limit disruptions for customers. Steve Vick International is a trusted partner providing products for critical infrastructure repair.
• Gougeon Brothers, Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 1980Partnership formed to bring WEST SYSTEM and other key brands global. Wessex Resins & Adhesives acts as licensing partner manufacturing and distributing WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET Epoxy, and Entropy Resins throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia. The partnership dates back to the early 1980s with nearly 45 years of collaboration.
• DNV (Det Norske Veritas)minorOthersDNV provides third-party certification and approval services for Wessex Resins products. The company supports external testing for DNV and Lloyds Register approvals to comply with certification requirements.
• Lloyds RegisterminorOthersLloyds Register provides third-party certification and approval services for Wessex Resins products. The company supports external testing for DNV and Lloyds Register approvals.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• 3M: Diversified industrial conglomerate with a significant structural adhesives and specialty materials portfolio; relevant competitive benchmark for high-end adhesive systems in industrial and defence adjacencies.
• Sika AG: Swiss-listed leader in construction and industrial adhesives, sealants and epoxy-based systems, with marine and transportation overlap. Competes most directly in flooring epoxy and rail/transport infrastructure applications.
• Westlake Epoxy (Hexion): One of the largest global epoxy resin and adhesives producers across industrial, automotive and construction. Wessex competes in the mid-to-high tier where Hexion/Westlake's broad commodity-plus-specialty portfolio is the dominant alternative.
• Huntsman Corporation: Global specialty chemicals group with a sizable Advanced Materials division producing epoxy resins, adhesives and composites for aerospace, automotive and electronics. Competes with Wessex in custom-formulation and high-performance composite epoxies.
• Polynt-Reichhold Group: Specialty chemicals group producing thermoset resins, gel coats and bonding pastes for composites — provides an alternative upstream supply for marine and industrial composite manufacturers in EMEA.

Direct peers

• Gurit Holding AG: Swiss-listed composite materials supplier serving wind energy, marine and transportation with epoxy resins, prepregs and core materials. Closest listed peer for PRO-SET-style advanced composites epoxies in marine, wind and industrial segments.
• Gougeon Brothers, Inc. Originator of WEST SYSTEM, PRO-SET and Entropy Resins and Wessex's long-standing licensing partner; now under the same Iron Path Capital / PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems parent. Operates as the US counterpart with overlapping product lines and technology base.

Emerging players

• Resoltech (since merged into Polynt): French specialty epoxy formulator with marine, aerospace and biobased lines; competing European SME peer for marine-grade and high-temperature epoxy systems where Wessex markets WEST SYSTEM and PRO-SET.
• SP Gurup (SP Group / Gurit-style marine composites): Specialty composite materials supplier focused on custom formulated resin systems for marine, defence and industrial applications — overlaps with WRA's bespoke formulation service for niche subsea and emergency-repair applications.

Regional players

• Hempel Foundation: Major marine coatings and protective coatings producer with deep EMEA presence; competes indirectly with WRA underwater epoxies and Wessex 200 coatings in marine and offshore applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

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 Wessex Resins & Adhesives