What ACE Supplies UK Ltd does

ACE Supplies UK Ltd is a Telford, Shropshire-based B2B supplier and light manufacturer of engineered plastic buckles and fastening systems, founded in 1981 and operating with a six-person team. The company designs, injection-moulds, and distributes a comprehensive range of fastening components — including side-release, front-release, cam, magnetic, ladderloc, swivel, and metal-safety buckles — alongside narrow fabrics, webbing, cord accessories, hook-and-loop tape, and thread. It also operates a custom strap-assembly service for OEMs needing tailored strap solutions with bespoke dimensions, colours, and logos.

Its commercial model combines authorized UK distribution of premium global fastening brands (ITW Nexus, Due Emme Thermoplastics, Fidlock, Woojin Plastics, and Duraflex) with its own registered brands — RIPFAST hook-and-loop tape, STRAPLINE strap assemblies, and AeroFit sport buckles. Revenue is generated through unit-priced component sales (with minimum-quantity online pricing and tiered bulk discounts), custom-assembly contracts, and sample orders, supported by a sales-led go-to-market with phone/email quoting and e-commerce fulfilment. Free UK mainland shipping applies above £350.

The customer base spans UK OEMs across Military & Law Enforcement (MOD, police), Medical & Rehabilitation, Outdoor Equipment & Sports, Marine, PPE, Industrial, and Consumer Products, with the company stating that "thousands of UK manufacturers" rely on its products. Certification under BS EN ISO 9001 since 1994 underpins its positioning in safety-critical applications. Recent strategic activity has centred on expanding the product portfolio — notably the 2024–2025 launch of Tyny Tools repair accessories, the 2025 addition of Woojin Plastics distribution, and a recycled-buckles sustainability line — while the underlying business remains founder/family-owned with no external investment.

Name

ACE Supplies UK Ltd

Legal name

ACE Supplies UK Ltd

Website

https://acesupplies.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ACE Supplies UK Ltd is a Telford-based B2B supplier and light manufacturer of engineered plastic buckles, webbing, and fastening systems serving UK OEMs across military, medical, marine, PPE, and outdoor equipment sectors, distributing premium global brands alongside its own RIPFAST, STRAPLINE, and AeroFit lines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Fasteners

NAICS

Fastener, Button, Needle, and Pin Manufacturing (339993), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)

SIC

Plastics Products, Nec (3089)

akta.pro primary industry

Buttons & Buckles Manufacturing (Buttons/Toggles/Buckles/Slides) (IMAOALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Elastic, Tapes & Webbing Manufacturing (Elastic Bands/Binding/Strapping/Webbing) (IMAOALAD), Bag & Accessory Components/Hardware (Straps, Buckles, Zippers) (CRAAAJAJ), Protective & Work Accessories Manufacturing (Safety Gloves/Hi-Vis Accessories) (IMAOAFAH)

Keywords

• Plastic buckles supplier
• Fastening solutions
• Webbing accessories
• Hook and loop tape
• OEM strap assemblies

Headquarters

HQ city

Telford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Component Sales: Sale of plastic buckles, webbing, narrow fabrics, cord accessories, hook and loop tape, and fastening components to OEM manufacturers and businesses. Products are sold in standard minimum quantities with tiered pricing based on order volume.
2. Custom Assembly Solutions: Custom sewn assemblies and strap solutions manufactured to customer specifications including logos, colours, and dimensions. Customers provide assembly part numbers for repeat orders with quick lead times.
3. Sample Orders: Sale of product samples to customers for testing and evaluation purposes before placing full orders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ACE Supplies UK Ltd designs, manufactures, and supplies engineered plastic buckles and fastening solutions for OEMs. The product range includes side release, front release, cam, magnetic, swivel, ladderloc, triglides, and metal safety buckles, along with narrow fabrics, webbing accessories, cord products, RIPFAST hook and loop tape, and STRAPLINE® pre-assembled strap solutions. They also provide a bespoke customised assembly service and act as authorised UK distributor for global brands including ITW Nexus, Due Emme, Fidlock, Woojin Plastics, and Duraflex.

Product overview

ACE Supplies UK Ltd is a plastic buckles and fastening solutions supplier serving OEMs with functionality-conscious plastic buckles and fastening systems. Their product portfolio centers on engineered plastic buckles (including Side Release, Front Release, Cam, Ladderloc, Magnetic, Swivel/Swing Head, and Metal Safety Buckles), narrow fabrics and webbing accessories, cord and rope products, RIPFAST hook and loop tape, and STRAPLINE® strap assemblies. They offer custom assembly services and distribute established brands including ITW Nexus, Due Emme, Woojin Plastics, Fidlock, and Duraflex. Their own brand includes ACE AeroFit® plastic buckles. They serve diverse markets including military, medical, marine, outdoor equipment, luggage, pet products, and industrial sectors. Recently expanded to include Tyny Tools repair accessories and sustainable recycled product lines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AeroFit™: Plastic buckles featuring sporty aesthetic with high strength-to-weight ratios, seamless adjustability, and low-profile silhouette for activewear and outdoor equipment.
• STRAPLINE®
• RIPFAST
• Tyny Tools

Products and services

• ACE AeroFit® Buckles Own-brand sporty-style plastic buckles with high strength-to-weight ratios, seamless adjustability, and low-profile silhouette, designed for modern activewear, outdoor equipment, and athleisure applications.
• Side Release Buckles Popular plastic buckles with side squeeze opening mechanism used in pet collars, helmets, industrial belts, and hiking rucksacks for equipment attachment.
• Front Release Buckles Industrial-grade buckles with central push mechanism for quick one-handed release, used in safety vests, tactical gear, medical equipment, and outdoor apparel.
• Cam Buckles Fast and reliable webbing strap fasteners with cam mechanism for cargo control, outdoor gear, and industrial applications; available in metal and plastic variants.
• Ladderlocs & Adjusters Fully adjustable and versatile strap fasteners that securely hold items without slipping, used in rucksacks, pet clothing, and for keeping items rolled up.
• Magnetic Buckles Magnetic release buckles providing secure fastening with easy magnetic engagement and release mechanism.
• Swivel / Swing Head Buckles Buckles with articulated joints allowing left or right swing movement for flexible attachment and positioning.
• Aluminium & Steel Buckles Heavy-duty metal buckles for safety-critical applications requiring enhanced strength and durability.
• Webbing & Binding Narrow fabrics and webbing materials in various sizes, colours and styles for industrial and commercial applications.
• Cordlocks Adjustable cord fasteners for hoods, waistbands, and bag closures providing quick tension adjustment.
• RIPFAST Hook & Loop Tape ACE Supplies own brand of hook and loop fastener tape available in sewable, self-adhesive, elastic, and solo varieties in multiple colours and sizes. Heat resistant, freeze resistant, chemical resistant, washable, and a good insulator.
• Thread Industrial sewing thread including bonded nylon threads for demanding applications in apparel, automotive upholstery, outdoor gear, leatherwork, and marine.
• STRAPLINE® Straps & Assemblies ACE's own range of pre-assembled webbing and handle straps including complete strap solutions, cinch straps, and roll cage straps with face fixing anchors.
• Customised Assemblies Service Bespoke custom assembly service for producing unique products with custom logos, strap measurements, colours, and buckle specifications to customer requirements.
• Military & Military Colour Products Military-grade buckles, webbing, and accessories including mil-spec components and military-coloured products (Olive Drab, Coyote Tan, Black) for defence, police, and non-milspec applications.
• Height Safety Components Safety-critical quick release buckles and components for height safety equipment, harnesses, fall protection, and PPE applications.
• Tyny Tools Brand-agnostic repair accessories for outdoor gear including field-repair buckles, webbing adjusters, swivel clips, and molle attachment tools designed to extend gear life for packs, tents, and outdoor apparel.
• ITW Nexus Buckles High-performance plastic buckles and hardware from ITW Nexus, a global leader in innovative fastening solutions for outdoor gear, military equipment, safety harnesses, and luggage, distributed in the UK by ACE Supplies.
• Due Emme Buckles Italian-designed thermoplastics including buckles, hooks, and cordlocks with superior heat resistance, strength, and stylish finishes for marine, military, outdoor, and lifestyle industries, distributed in the UK by ACE Supplies.
• Woojin Plastics High-performance polymer components including buckles, cord locks, adjusters, and fastening systems from Woojin Plastics, a global leader in precision engineering and durability for outdoor gear and technical textiles, distributed in the UK by ACE Supplies.
• Recycled Buckles and Fasteners Sustainable fastening solutions including recycled buckles made from reclaimed fishing nets and post-consumer PET plastic bottles, plus Econable products from Due Emme injected with 100% regenerated material.

Quantifiable outcome

• ISO 9001 quality assurance since 1994
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 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

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, emerging and minor.

• ITW NexuscoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial UK distributor of ITW Nexus products including side release buckles, cam buckles, quick release buckles, triglides, and D-rings. ITW Nexus is a global leader in innovative fastening solutions with decades of experience in high-performance plastic buckles and hardware trusted by industries worldwide.
• Due Emme ThermoplasticscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized UK distributor of Due Emme buckles, hooks, and cordlocks. Due Emme is an Italian designer and manufacturer known for engineered thermoplastics with superior heat resistance and strength, trusted across marine, military, outdoor, and lifestyle industries.
• FidlockcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized UK distributor of Fidlock magnetic fastening systems. Fidlock provides innovative magnetic buckle solutions for various applications.
• Woojin PlasticscoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial UK distributor of Woojin Plastics products including buckles, cord locks, adjusters, and other fastening systems. Woojin is a global leader in high-performance polymer components renowned for precision engineering and durability, meeting rigorous demands of outdoor gear and technical textiles.
• Tyny ToolsemergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerACE Supplies introduced Tyny Tools range of durable, carefully considered, intelligently engineered attachment and repair accessories following successful launch at Outdoor Trade Show. Tyny Tools products are brand-agnostic repair accessories for packs, tents, and outdoor apparel. ACE provides UK distribution and retail partner onboarding for Tyny Tools.
• DuraflexminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACE Supplies now stocks Duraflex parts including metal eyelets, tags, and hooks. Can source existing products both specialist and general use. Duraflex products complement existing fastening solution range.
• Northumbria UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Northumbria University's Design School on responsible design research. Provided buckles and fastenings for prototype baby carriers developed during prototyping workshop with NHS clinicians and parents for preterm babies requiring portable oxygen supplies.
• Tiny Lives TrustminorOthersCharity sponsor supporting wider research work with Northumbria University Design School on creative exploration of ways to support parents of preterm babies.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• YKK: World's largest manufacturer of fastening products including zippers, buckles, and webbing hardware. Operates across the same apparel, outdoor, and industrial verticals as ACE and represents the dominant global incumbent in fastening components.
• ITW Nexus: Global leader in engineered plastic buckles and fastening hardware. ACE Supplies is an authorized UK distributor of ITW Nexus, making ITW Nexus both a principal supplier and the most directly comparable incumbent in the same product category.
• Due Emme Thermoplastics: Italian designer and manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics including buckles, hooks, and cordlocks for marine, military, and outdoor applications. ACE is the authorized UK distributor and Due Emme competes in the same premium engineered-buckle space.
• Woojin Plastics: South Korean manufacturer of high-performance polymer buckles, cord locks, and adjusters for outdoor and technical textile markets. ACE is the official UK distributor; Woojin is a direct principal in the same component categories.

Emerging players

• Fidlock: German developer of magnetic-mechanical fastening systems (HOOK, SNAP) for bags, apparel, and outdoor gear. ACE is the authorized UK distributor; Fidlock overlaps with ACE's magnetic buckle line and competes for the same OEM design wins.

Direct peers

• Country Brook Design: US-based supplier of nylon webbing, plastic buckles, and hardware with e-commerce and custom-cut services. Directly comparable in product mix (webbing, buckles, cord locks) and small-order B2B/consumer go-to-market.
• Strapworks: US-based manufacturer and retailer of custom straps, webbing, buckles, and plastic hardware serving OEM and consumer channels. Comparable in product range (webbing, buckles, custom assemblies) and in serving both B2B and small-order end users.
• Duraflex (National Molding): Manufacturer of metal eyelets, tags, hooks, and hardware components. ACE Supplies stocks and distributes Duraflex parts in the UK, making Duraflex a directly comparable supplier of adjacent fastening hardware to the same OEM customer base.
• Buckles International: Manufacturer and supplier of plastic and metal buckles, rings, and fastening hardware for apparel, luggage, and outdoor markets. Comparable as a direct component supplier in the same buckle/ring/attachment categories as ACE's standard range.
• Morrison Textile Machinery: UK-based supplier of webbing, fastenings, and narrow fabrics components to apparel, military, and industrial manufacturers. Directly comparable as a UK narrow-fabrics and fastening distributor serving overlapping OEM verticals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ace-supplies-uk-ltd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 ACE Supplies UK Ltd