Founded by Mike Grant in 1982, our company emerged from a pioneering vision in the distribution sector. While employed at Intertruck, Mike recognized a significant opportunity to transform airline fittings from a giveaway item into a valuable consumable product. His innovation was evident when he designed a point-of-sale packet capable of accommodating our entire range of fittings.

Identifying a gap in the market, Mike observed that trailer manufacturers were inadequately served by existing direct fitting manufacturers. After an extensive search, he partnered with WIRA, a manufacturer based in Germany, to develop a groundbreaking solution. By creating comprehensive fitting kits and transitioning trailer manufacturers from traditional compression fittings to more efficient push-in fittings, we not only improved usability but also enhanced our margins.

This spirit of innovation laid the foundation for our business model, driving us to continually seek ways to elevate service quality, product efficiency, and exclusivity in components. Our commitment to improvement is unwavering, as we constantly strive to offer superior products and services that meet evolving market needs.

Our industry-leading catalogue, now a benchmark in the field, has become the go-to resource for resolving air brake fitting and tubing challenges. We pride ourselves on partnering with top suppliers and brands, often securing exclusive agreements that allow us to provide our customers with the best components available.

Suppliers frequently turn to us during the early stages of component development, recognizing our efficiency and expertise in launching and distributing new products. This collaborative approach ensures that our customers benefit from cutting-edge solutions and the most comprehensive product offerings on the market.

Our company, with its extensive industry experience, has successfully established a strong presence in defined market segments, understanding the unique needs and preferences of each. We excel in meeting these needs while effectively mitigating competitive pressures.

Our primary focus is on providing high-quality air brake fittings and tubing to the truck and heavy vehicle articulated trailer markets. Additionally, we are experiencing rapid growth in the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and agricultural vehicle sectors.

We are uniquely positioned to serve the entire lifecycle of trailers, trucks, and buses. From supporting manufacturers in the Original Equipment (OE) market during production to supplying the After Market (AM) network with essential spare parts, our comprehensive solutions cater to every stage of the vehicle’s journey.

Ian Stanley

Ian’s journey began on his family farm, where he gained invaluable hands-on engineering experience by maintaining and repairing machinery from a young age. At 18, he took on full responsibility for the farm during his parents’ holidays, which honed his skills in managing pressure and making critical decisions.

Following his education, Ian embarked on a career in telesales with the Unipart Group, specifically within its Truck & Trailer Components (TTC) division. He excelled in commercial vehicle component sales, progressing from a technical sales role to become a Field Sales Representative at just 22, working within a highly competitive sales environment.

Ian joined TGL in 1995 as a Field Sales Representative and quickly advanced through the ranks to become Sales and Marketing Manager, then Sales Director. In 2011, he led a successful management buyout of TGL alongside his business partner, Tony Varndell. Ian is known for his strategic vision, adeptness in identifying business opportunities, and exceptional leadership skills, guiding both colleagues and the organization towards continued growth and success.

Tony Varndell

After leaving school Tony started a 5 year engineering apprenticeship with Overlander Trailers. Initially starting at the very bottom Tony progressed through the ranks and became the Company’s Technical Service Engineer.

After 12 years Tony left Overlander and joined M&G Trailers as an Assistant Production Manager. M&G at the time where one of the biggest trailer manufacturers in the UK.

His primary function was managing the fitting shop and the 20 staff that worked in it. Tony worked there for 14 years, until he was offered the opportunity to go back to Overlander Trailers as production director, except this time he was responsible for whole production facility and the 65 production staff working there. A role he excelled in.

Tony worked there for a further 4 years developing his production, man management and business skills. When the owner decided to sell up and move back to Canada, Tony was quickly approached by SDC Trailers, the UK’s biggest trailer builder at the time. Based in Northern Ireland the company had a body assembly plant in Mansfield, and he was offered the job of managing that facility. In total he had over 70 production staff directly reporting to him and had the responsibility for maintaining production output, controlling quality and engineering. Tony worked there for 3 years travelling and living away from home until he was asked to move to Ireland with the intention of managing the main trailer plant but with firm family ties here in the UK, Tony had to turn the offer down.

It was during this period that Tony was approached by Mike Grant MD of Tube Gear Ltd (TGL) who was seeking to employ an industry specialist engineer with a broad scope in manufacturing trailers, whom he needed to develop new and existing products for both TGL and his newly acquired company Vernon Developments.

Tony took the opportunity offered by Mike and hasn’t looked back. Not only has he been able to adapt and use his production knowledge to great benefit to the company, he has also increased his skill base to become proficient in areas such as procurement, quality management systems and accounting.

Tony’s main strengths include varied industry specific manufacturing experience and the in-depth knowledge of the industry he’s grown up in, and people that work in it enabling him to build up a wide and varied number of contacts in the truck & trailer industry.

Over the years Tony has developed excellent man management skills, fostering cooperation and getting results from those that work with him as part of a team.