Aquajet Machining Systems Limited

What Aquajet Machining Systems Limited does

Aquajet Machining Systems Limited is a UK-based authorised distributor of OMAX abrasive waterjet cutting systems, founded in 1995 by Richard Robinson in Chorley, Lancashire. The company supplies five OMAX machine lines — OptiMAX, OMAX, MAXIEM, GlobalMAX, and ProtoMAX — alongside pumps (EnduroMAX direct drive, DynaMAX intensifier), cutting-head accessories (Tilt-A-Jet, A-Jet, Motorised Z Axis), and consumables including nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, and garnet abrasive. Aquajet also distributes the Intelli-MAX Software Suite and ProNest LT CAD/CAM, and has introduced the SandBOT wet abrasive blast cleaning system via collaboration with a Polish developer. The underlying technology, owned and manufactured by OMAX in Kent, Washington, uses ultra-high-pressure water (up to 60,000 PSI) combined with garnet abrasive to cut virtually any material without heat-affected zones; OMAX direct drive pumps are reported to deliver 85–90% efficiency versus ~65% for intensifier pumps, and the EnduroMAX pump has a 1,000-hour preventative maintenance interval.

Aquajet generates revenue through one-time machine sales (B2B to UK manufacturers, engineering shops, and industrial facilities), recurring spare parts and consumables sold via its online shop with UK next-day delivery, and field service engineering plus planned maintenance programmes. Pricing for capital equipment is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; operating cost for consumables is approximately £14–£15 per hour at standard pressures. Go-to-market combines direct field sales, a four-machine demonstration facility in Chorley for test cuts and trials, trade-show participation (Advanced Engineering, NEC Birmingham), content marketing, and direct customer enquiries. The company reports 30% of sales come from returning customers year-on-year, indicating a stable repeat business base.

The firm is a privately held limited company (company number 03125420) registered in England and Wales, founder-led, with no parent company or external equity backing evidenced in the source data. Operations are UK-domestic (with historical territorial responsibility for UK, Ireland, Iceland, and South Africa), supported by approximately 9–10 employees including a Chairman, Operations Director, engineering staff, service engineers, machine operators, and customer service personnel. Aquajet serves end users across aerospace and defence, nuclear decommissioning, automotive and motorsport, stone/glass/ceramics, education, and general engineering fabrication.

Name

Aquajet Machining Systems Limited

Legal name

AQUAJET MACHINING SYSTEMS LIMITED

Website

https://aquajet.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Aquajet Machining Systems Limited is the UK authorised distributor of OMAX abrasive waterjet cutting systems, founded in 1995 and based in Chorley, Lancashire. The company sells OMAX machines, spare parts, software, and field services to UK manufacturers across aerospace, nuclear, motorsport, and general engineering sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Chorley

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Waterjet Machine Sales: Aquajet sells OMAX, MAXIEM, GlobalMAX, and ProtoMAX waterjet cutting machines as the authorised UK distributor. Machines range from compact entry-level (ProtoMAX) to large-format systems (OMAX 60120). Sales are primarily B2B to manufacturers, engineering shops, and industrial facilities.
2. Spare Parts and Consumables: Sale of genuine OMAX spare parts, accessories, nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, seals, filters, and garnet abrasive. The company stocks a large range of genuine OMAX spare parts and accessories that are fully tested for functionality and reliability.
3. Service and Support: Aquajet provides field service engineering, planned maintenance programmes, on-site support, after-sales service, and operator training across the UK. Factory training is included with machine purchases and free lifetime support is offered.
4. Demonstration and Test Cutting Services: The company operates a demonstration facility with multiple machines and offers test cuts and sample part production for prospective customers to assess waterjet suitability.
5. OMAX Intelli-MAX Software Licensing: OMAX Intelli-MAX software is provided free for the life of machine ownership with all upgrades included. ProNest LT OMAX CAD/CAM software is also offered as an additional product for nesting and design optimisation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Aquajet is the UK authorised distributor for OMAX abrasive waterjet cutting systems, selling a full range of OMAX, MAXIEM, GlobalMAX, ProtoMAX, OptiMAX, and MicroMAX machines to UK manufacturers. The company supplies waterjet pumps, cutting accessories, genuine OMAX spare parts and consumables, the Intelli-MAX CAD/CAM software suite, and ProNest LT nesting software, alongside field service, planned maintenance, operator training, and demonstration services from its Chorley facility.

Product overview

Aquajet Machining Systems Limited is the UK partner of OMAX (a Hypertherm associate brand) and distributes a comprehensive portfolio of abrasive waterjet cutting machines. The product range includes five distinct machine lines: OptiMAX (flagship high-precision model), OMAX (standard JetMachining Centres), MAXIEM (mid-range value), GlobalMAX (entry-level), and ProtoMAX (compact for prototyping). Supporting the machines are OMAX Intelli-MAX Software Suite for CAD/CAM operations, ProNest LT OMAX for advanced nesting, a range of pumps (EnduroMAX direct drive and DynaMAX intensifier), accessories (Tilt A Jet, A-Jet, Motorized Z Axis), and genuine spare parts. Aquajet also offers SandBOT, a wet abrasive blast cleaning system. The demonstration facility includes four machines (OMAX 60120, MAXIEM 2040, Maxiem 1515, ProtoMAX) for customer testing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OptiMAX Waterjet Cutting System Flagship high-precision OMAX abrasive waterjet cutter for production environments, with industry-leading cutting speeds, intelligent software, patented linear drive, and maximum uptime design. Sold as a turnkey machine to UK manufacturers across multiple verticals.
• OMAX JetMachining Centres OMAX JetMachining Centres deliver high-precision abrasive waterjet parts quickly and efficiently using OMAX's most advanced computer control system. Marketed as fast, accurate, and versatile for UK manufacturers across engineering, aerospace, defence, and heavy industry.
• OMAX MicroMAX The industry's most precise abrasive waterjet with positioning accuracy of less than five microns (±0.0025mm repeatability), capable of cutting extremely small parts in virtually any material using an advanced Tilt-A-Jet cutting head for taper-free edges. Targeted at high-precision UK applications.
• MAXIEM JetMachining Centers Mid-range OMAX abrasive waterjet machines offering superior performance, expanded versatility, and high productivity at an affordable price, with factory training and a global technical support network. Sold to UK engineering shops and contract manufacturers via Aquajet, with options such as A-Jet multi-axis cutting heads.
• GlobalMAX Waterjet Cutting Systems Entry-level OMAX abrasive waterjet offering essential, easy-to-use cutting with a robust, straightforward design for dependable performance and easy serviceability, providing maximum uptime for facilities adding their first waterjet capability. Distributed by Aquajet to UK customers.
• ProtoMAX Waterjet Cutting System The first high-performance compact abrasive waterjet, designed for quick and precise abrasive waterjet cutting of small parts and ideal for prototyping or small-scale production. Distributed by Aquajet as part of the OMAX range.
• OMAX Intelli-MAX Software Suite OMAX Intelli-MAX is a proprietary CAD/CAM and controller software suite for OMAX waterjet machines, comprising Layout (specialised CAD), Make (controller), and OIR (interactive reference). It automatically optimises tool paths, models waterjet stream bend, enables taper compensation and advanced nesting, and is provided free for the life of machine ownership with all upgrades included.
• ProNest LT OMAX CAD/CAM Powerful CAD/CAM software that lets OMAX machine owners design, nest, and cut with ease, including advanced automatic nesting algorithms that reduce material costs and increase profitability. Sold by Aquajet as an add-on product for OMAX owners.
• OMAX Waterjet Pumps (EnduroMAX direct drive and DynaMAX intensifier) OMAX direct drive and intensifier waterjet pumps including the EnduroMAX (1,000-hour PM interval) and DynaMAX pumps across various horsepower configurations, providing the high-pressure water supply for abrasive waterjet cutting. Sold separately or with machines by Aquajet.
• OMAX Waterjet Accessories (Tilt A Jet, A-Jet, Motorized Z Axis) Range of OMAX accessories including Tilt A Jet, A-Jet multi-axis cutting head and Motorised Z Axis that enable taper compensation, bevel cuts, and 5-/6-axis cutting on OMAX and MAXIEM machines. Sold individually to UK customers to upgrade or customise waterjet installations.
• OMAX Genuine Spare Parts Genuine OMAX spare parts and accessories, fully tested for functionality and reliability, including nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, seals, filters and garnet abrasive. Sold via the Aquajet online shop to ensure optimal machine performance and minimise downtime for UK OMAX owners.
• SandBOT Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning System Advanced, cost-effective wet abrasive blast cleaning system using air, water, and garnet delivered through an extending hose and nozzle. A multi-purpose, portable pneumatic system that reduces dust emissions by 95% versus dry blasting, suitable for engineering, construction, and off-shore surface preparation. Distributed in the UK by Aquajet.
• Aquajet Demonstration, Test-Cutting and Training Services Prospective customers can visit the Aquajet Chorley facility to view four operating OMAX waterjet machines and request test cuts using their own drawings and materials, with sample parts cut on request. Free on-site training is included with machine purchase, and free lifetime technical support and advice is offered to UK customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Waterjet cutting operating costs of approximately £14–£15 per hour for consumables and maintenance at 60,000 PSI operating pressure
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 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

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OMAX Corporation (Hypertherm Associate Brand)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1995Aquajet has been the UK authorised partner for OMAX Corporation since 1995, responsible for sales, service, training, and support of OMAX waterjet systems in the UK. Richard Robinson was appointed the first distributor for OMAX Corporation in 1995, originally responsible for UK, Ireland, Iceland, and South Africa. OMAX is now a Hypertherm associate brand. OMAX designs and manufactures complete waterjet systems in Kent, Washington, including pumps, controllers, software, and cutting tables.
• AccustreamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccustream is displayed as a partner alongside OMAX in Aquajet's UK distributor section, indicating a supply relationship for waterjet spare parts and consumables.
• SandBOTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAquajet collaborated with SandBOT (designed and developed in Poland) to introduce the SandBOT wet abrasive blast cleaning system to the UK market. SandBOT is an advanced wet abrasive blast cleaning technology using air, water, and garnet for surface preparation, suitable for engineering, construction, and off-shore applications.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• WARDJet: WARDJet designs and manufactures 3-axis and 5-axis abrasive waterjet cutting systems in the United States. It is a direct product-line competitor to OMAX and competes for the same manufacturer customers seeking versatile abrasive waterjet cutting solutions.
• Jet Edge Inc. Jet Edge manufactures ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems and precision cutting tools for industrial and precision cutting applications. As a direct OMAX/Aquajet competitor, Jet Edge offers alternative waterjet technology to UK manufacturers in aerospace, defence, and metals fabrication.
• OMAX Corporation: OMAX is the parent manufacturer whose complete waterjet systems Aquajet distributes exclusively in the UK. While Aquajet is a channel partner rather than a competitor, OMAX is the most directly comparable entity in the same product category, serving identical end-markets with overlapping Intelli-MAX software, IntelliTRAX drive technology, and abrasive waterjet machines.
• Resato High Pressure Technology: Resato is a Netherlands-based manufacturer of high-pressure waterjet cutting systems and ultra-high-pressure technology. As a neighbouring European waterjet OEM, Resato competes with OMAX/Aquajet for UK and European manufacturer customers, particularly in industrial cutting applications.
• Techni Waterjet: Techni Waterjet, part of the Technigroup based in the UK and Europe, manufactures and supplies abrasive waterjet cutting machines and services. As a UK-headquartered competitor, it is the most geographically proximate direct peer to Aquajet for waterjet installations into British manufacturers.
• STM Waterjet Group: STM Waterjet Group designs and manufactures waterjet cutting machines and is part of the STM Group. It directly competes with OMAX/Aquajet in the industrial abrasive waterjet market, offering alternative cutting solutions to manufacturers across Europe.
• KMT Waterjet Systems: KMT Waterjet is a leading manufacturer of high-pressure pumps and complete waterjet cutting systems, headquartered in Germany. Its UK distribution competes directly with Aquajet in supplying abrasive waterjet equipment to manufacturers, particularly for high-pressure pump specifications and intensifier technology.
• Shape Technologies Group (Flow International): Shape Technologies, the successor to Flow International, is the global leader in ultrahigh-pressure waterjet technology and a direct competitor to OMAX. Aquajet faces indirect competition from Shape's UK channel presence in selling waterjet cutting systems into the same aerospace, automotive, and general manufacturing end-markets.

Broad incumbents

• Bystronic: Bystronic is a Swiss-listed global leader in sheet metal processing, offering laser cutting, bending, and automation systems. While not a focused waterjet specialist, Bystronic competes with OMAX/Aquajet at the customer level for capital equipment budgets in metal fabrication and competes with waterjet in overlapping laser cutting applications.

Others

• Hypertherm Associates: Hypertherm is the parent industrial cutting technology group of OMAX, a Hypertherm associate brand. While not a direct competitor, Hypertherm's strategic decisions around OMAX distribution, branding, and product investment materially shape Aquajet's UK market opportunity and partner relationship stability.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AquajetWaterjet
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC0LoJxQEGzkpDcXK4TF-5sg
• Facebookfacebook.com/AquajetMachiningSystems
• Instagraminstagram.com/aquajet.uk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquajet-holdings-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Aquajet Machining Systems Limited