Metrology and Quality Services
Metrology and Quality Services distributes precision measuring instruments and operates a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory, serving manufacturers and quality professionals in aerospace, automotive, medical, defence, CNC machining, and precision engineering across the UK and Ireland.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersCoventry, United Kingdom
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Metrology and Quality Services does
Metrology and Quality Services (MQS) is a UK-based specialist distributor and service provider of precision metrology instruments, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Coventry following a 2008 relocation from St Albans. The company operates as a subsidiary of the Inspection Equipment Group and combines a 25,000+ SKU distribution business with a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory, supported by next-working-day dispatch from its Coventry facility and a B2B e-commerce platform serving the UK and Ireland.
Its product range spans calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, force gauges, optical comparators, and CMM probes, sourced through authorised relationships with twelve-plus premium metrology manufacturers including Mitutoyo, TESA (Platinum Authorised Service Centre), Starrett, Mahr, MARK-10, Bowers, Trimos, Sylvac, CHOTEST, Kroeplin, Renishaw, and Vision Engineering. The company also operates on-site and in-house calibration services delivering traceable certificates, plus a Customer Calibration Portal for digital record management, and has signalled forthcoming Retrofits & Upgrades and Subcontract Manufacturing service lines.
MQS targets manufacturers and quality professionals in aerospace, automotive, medical, defence, CNC machining, and precision engineering. Its revenue model blends one-time instrument sales across a wide price spectrum (from ~£20 hand tools to over £26,000 advanced instruments), recurring calibration service contracts tied to instrument recalibration cycles, and ancillary services. The customer base is diversified across six distinct industrial verticals with no disclosed enterprise anchor customers.
Metrology and Quality Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Metrology and Quality Services
- Legal name
- Metrology and Quality Services
- Website
- https://mqs.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Metrology and Quality Services distributes precision measuring instruments and operates a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory, serving manufacturers and quality professionals in aerospace, automotive, medical, defence, CNC machining, and precision engineering across the UK and Ireland.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Metrology and Quality Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Metrology Equipment and Calibration Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services) (IMAGAFAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness) (IMAGAFAD), Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL), Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK)
Keywords
Where Metrology and Quality Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Coventry
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Metrology and Quality Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Metrology Equipment Sales: MQS generates primary revenue through the sale of precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, dial indicators, optical metrology equipment, and workshop essentials. Products are sold through a B2B e-commerce platform with pricing displayed for most items, ranging from basic workshop tools to advanced motorised height gauges.
- UKAS Calibration Services: Recurring calibration services for measuring instruments, providing UKAS-accredited calibration certificates for gauge blocks, length measuring systems, dial gauges, and other precision tools. Calibration services generate repeat business as instruments require periodic recalibration.
- On-Site Service and Calibration: Mobile calibration and service visits to customer facilities for on-site maintenance and calibration of metrology equipment.
- Subcontract Manufacturing: Custom manufacturing services for specialized metrology requirements not covered by standard product inventory.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard B2B e-commerce pricing with promotional discounts |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Metrology and Quality Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Metrology and Quality Services supplies precision metrology equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, dial indicators, optical metrology systems, and surface/form testing instruments, while providing UKAS-accredited calibration services from one of the largest UKAS laboratories in the UK and Ireland. The company operates a 25,000+ item inventory for fast nationwide delivery and offers on-site calibration, TESA-authorised servicing, subcontract manufacturing, and an online customer calibration portal.
Product overview
Metrology and Quality Services (MQS) is a precision metrology equipment supplier and UKAS-accredited calibration services provider established in 1995. The company operates as one of the largest UKAS calibration laboratories in the UK and Ireland, offering a comprehensive portfolio of precision measuring instruments across multiple categories including calipers, micrometers (external and internal), bore gauging equipment, dial indicators, height gauges (manual and motorised), electronic gauging systems, optical metrology, surface/form testing, and material testing equipment. MQS functions as an authorised distributor for major metrology brands including Mitutoyo, TESA, Starrett, Mahr, MARK-10, Bowers Group, Trimos, and Sylvac, while also providing calibration laboratory systems, reference gauges, measuring tables and supports, and workshop essentials. The company operates from a Midlands facility with extensive stock for fast nationwide delivery, next working day dispatch on many items, and serves industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, defence, CNC machining, and precision engineering. Services include UKAS calibration, on-site calibration, TESA-authorised service centre, customer calibration portal, and subcontract manufacturing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- UKAS Calibration Services UKAS-accredited calibration of precision measuring instruments, ensuring traceability to national standards and providing calibration certificates for gauge blocks, length measuring systems, dial gauges, and other precision tools. Designed for manufacturers and quality professionals who require traceable, regulator-recognised calibration.
- On-Site Service and Calibration Mobile calibration and service visits delivered to customer facilities, providing on-site instrument maintenance and UKAS calibration certificates without the need to ship equipment away. Targeted at manufacturers with large installed bases of metrology equipment.
- Tesa Platinum Authorised Service Centre Factory-authorised aftermarket support for TESA precision measuring instruments, including repairs, calibration, and maintenance, plus access to Tesa-Cal digital calipers and Tesa-Hite height gauges. Targeted at users of TESA equipment across the UK and Ireland.
- Subcontract Manufacturing Custom manufacturing services for specialised metrology requirements that fall outside the standard product catalog. Targeted at manufacturers needing bespoke precision components or assemblies.
- Customer Calibration Portal Online self-service portal that allows customers to manage calibration schedules, submit instruments for service, retrieve calibration certificates, and track instrument status. Targeted at quality and procurement teams overseeing large installed metrology bases.
- Calipers and Precision Linear Measurement Instruments Comprehensive range of precision calipers for linear measurement, including digital, vernier, dial, and depth types, plus accessories and buyers' guides. Targeted at machinists, quality engineers, and inspectors in manufacturing and precision engineering.
- Micrometers (External and Internal) External and internal micrometers for precise linear measurement, available in digital and analogue formats, including depth micrometers, bore micrometers with setting rings, micrometer sets, and accessories. Targeted at manufacturers requiring high-precision dimensional measurement.
- Height Gauges Precision height measurement instruments including manual digital, motorised, scribing, and accessory-set height gauges from TESA, Trimos, and other manufacturers. Targeted at machine shops, inspection departments, and precision engineering firms.
- Bore Gauging Equipment Internal bore measurement tools including pistol-grip bore gauges, thread bore gauges, telescopic gauges, stick micrometers, and 2-point and large-dimension bore measurement systems. Targeted at manufacturers needing accurate internal diameter verification.
- Dial Indicators and Lever-Type Indicators Precision dial indicators for comparative measurement, available in analogue and digital formats, plus lever-type indicators for inspecting bores, surfaces, and cavities. Targeted at inspection and quality control operations.
- Optical Metrology Systems Optical measurement equipment including toolmaker microscopes, stereo microscopes, profile projectors, and vision systems for non-contact measurement. Targeted at manufacturers requiring non-contact dimensional inspection of complex parts.
- Surface and Form Testing Equipment Surface finish, contour, and roundness measurement instruments used for quality control of manufactured components. Targeted at production engineers and quality professionals in precision manufacturing.
- Material Testing Equipment Material testing equipment including force gauges, hardness testers, and coating thickness gauges from MARK-10 and other manufacturers. Targeted at labs and production environments performing mechanical and material property verification.
- Electronic Gauging, Probes, and Linear Scales Electronic measurement systems including measuring probes, electronic displays, and linear scales that enable automated data collection and integration with metrology software. Targeted at manufacturers upgrading from manual to digital inspection workflows.
- Metrology Software and Connectivity Software for form measurement and data management, plus connectivity options for integrating measuring instruments into broader quality and production systems. Targeted at quality teams digitising their inspection workflows.
- Calibration Laboratory Systems Complete calibration laboratory solutions including gauge block calibration systems, horizontal and vertical measuring systems, and setting benches for organisations operating in-house calibration facilities. Targeted at labs and quality functions building internal calibration capability.
- Reference Gauges Reference standards including gauge blocks, pin gauges, plain plug gauges, and ring gauges used for calibration and verification of measuring instruments. Targeted at calibration laboratories and inspection departments.
- Measuring Tables and Supports Precision measurement supports including granite surface plates, measurement tables, magnetic stands, and comparator stands used to provide stable, flat references during inspection. Targeted at inspection rooms and quality laboratories.
- Workshop Essentials Workshop tools and accessories including CMM styli, parallels, straight edges, and engineers squares used to support measurement and inspection tasks. Targeted at machine shops and inspection departments.
Companies that use Metrology and Quality Services
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Metrology and Quality Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Metrology and Quality Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Inspection Equipment GroupcoreIn 2008, MQS joined the Inspection Equipment Group, expanding capabilities and strengthening its position as one of the UK's leading suppliers of precision metrology equipment. This strategic partnership enabled significant business growth and capability expansion.
- MitutoyomajorMQS is an authorised reseller of Mitutoyo precision measuring equipment, one of the world's leading metrology brands. Products include digital calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and measurement systems.
- TESAcoreMQS is a Tesa Platinum Authorised Service Centre, providing full aftermarket support for Tesa products including calibration, repairs, and maintenance. Exclusive product range including Tesa-Cal digital calipers and Tesa-Hite height gauges.
- StarrettmajorAuthorised reseller of Starrett precision measuring and marking tools, including micrometers, calipers, and optical equipment.
- MahrmajorAuthorised reseller of Mahr precision measuring instruments including micrometers, bore gauges, and height measurement systems.
- MARK-10majorMQS is a distributor for MARK-10 material testing solutions including force gauges, hardness testers, and coating thickness gauges.
- SylvacmajorAuthorised reseller of Sylvac precision measuring instruments including digital calipers and motorised height gauges.
- CHOTESTmajorAuthorised reseller of CHOTEST precision measuring equipment, offering competitive alternatives in the metrology equipment market.
- Bowers (including Trimos)majorAuthorised reseller of Bowers precision measuring equipment including bore micrometers, height gauges, and Trimos height measurement systems.
- KroeplinmajorAuthorised reseller of Kroeplin precision gauges for internal and external measurement applications.
- RenishawmajorAuthorised reseller of Renishaw precision measurement and calibration equipment including gauge blocks and calibration systems.
- Vision EngineeringmajorAuthorised reseller of Vision Engineering optical metrology equipment including stereo microscopes and vision systems.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Metrology and Quality Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Renishaw: UK-based global leader in precision measurement, metrology, and calibration systems. Comparable on calibration product lines and industrial customer segments, but much larger scope (also encoders, spectroscopy, healthcare) than MQS's focused distribution and service model.
- Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: Global metrology software and hardware portfolio covering CMMs, laser trackers, and in-line measurement, owner of the TESA brand. Comparable in calibration/metrology space but at vastly broader scale; competes with MQS on premium dimensional measurement.
Direct peers
- Insize UK / Insize Co. Low-cost Chinese-origin precision metrology brand with direct UK distribution, competing aggressively on price in calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Direct comparable in product category and online B2B sales channel.
- Vision Engineering: UK-headquartered manufacturer of optical metrology, stereo microscopes, and vision systems. Direct comparable on optical metrology product lines and UK industrial customer base, also distributed through MQS.
- Mahr UK: UK arm of the German precision measurement manufacturer, distributing directly and via partners. Comparable in product focus (micrometers, bore gauges) and UK B2B customer base served.
- Mitutoyo UK: UK arm of the world's largest precision metrology manufacturer, selling directly and through authorised channels. Directly comparable in product portfolio (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) and UK B2B manufacturing customer base.
- Bowers Group: UK-based manufacturer of bore gauges and precision measurement instruments. Sister company to MQS within the Inspection Equipment Group; directly comparable in product category, UK customer base, and metrology focus.
- Starrett (UK distribution): UK distribution arm of the global precision tools and metrology manufacturer. Direct comparable as a multi-channel UK metrology supplier serving the same aerospace/automotive/precision engineering customer base.
- Trimos: Swiss manufacturer of high-precision height gauges (V-series), part of the Bowers Group. Direct comparable on height-measurement product category and premium industrial metrology customers, currently distributed by MQS.
Emerging players
- FARO Technologies: US-based provider of 3D measurement, imaging, and realisation technology including laser scanners and arm-based CMMs. Comparable to MQS in serving industrial QA/QC customers, but focuses on disruptive 3D-scanning vs. MQS's traditional handheld gauge distribution.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Metrology and Quality Services social profiles
Digital presenceMetrology and Quality Services compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Metrology and Quality Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Metrology and Quality Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Metrology and Quality Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Metrology and Quality Services 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 Metrology and Quality Services
What does Metrology and Quality Services do?
Metrology and Quality Services supplies precision metrology equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, dial indicators, optical metrology systems, and surface/form testing instruments, while providing UKAS-accredited calibration services from one of the largest UKAS laboratories in the UK and Ireland. The company operates a 25,000+ item inventory for fast nationwide delivery and offers on-site calibration, TESA-authorised servicing, subcontract manufacturing, and an online customer calibration portal.
Is Metrology and Quality Services a public or private company?
Metrology and Quality Services is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Metrology and Quality Services founded?
Metrology and Quality Services was founded in 1995.
Where is Metrology and Quality Services based?
Metrology and Quality Services is headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Metrology and Quality Services make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Metrology Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are UKAS Calibration Services, on-Site Service and Calibration and subcontract Manufacturing.
Who are Metrology and Quality Services's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Renishaw and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Direct peers are Insize UK / Insize Co., Vision Engineering, Mahr UK, Mitutoyo UK, Bowers Group, Starrett (UK distribution) and Trimos. FARO Technologies is listed as an emerging player.
Does Metrology and Quality Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for Metrology and Quality Services.
What industry is Metrology and Quality Services in?
Metrology and Quality Services's product category is Precision Metrology Equipment and Calibration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAFAH, Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services), with a secondary code of IMAGAFAD, Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness). Its NAICS code is 54138 and its SIC code is 3826.