Since 1947, Stephens Gaskets has proudly stood at the forefront of British precision manufacturing. From modest beginnings in Birmingham’s industrial heartland to becoming a trusted name across the UK and beyond, our journey has been defined by craftsmanship, consistency, and care.
For over 75 years, we’ve supplied industries with gaskets, washers, shims, and precision components that meet the highest standards – because quality is in our DNA.
A Family Business Born in Birmingham
Stephens Gaskets was founded in post-war Birmingham, when the West Midlands was a booming centre of engineering, metalworking, and manufacturing talent.
The company began by supplying custom washers and gaskets for local automotive and industrial clients. Operating as a family-run engineering company, our reputation was built on reliability, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of customer needs.
In the early days, much of the work was manual – precision was achieved through craft, not computers. But even then, Stephens Gaskets was known for going the extra mile.
Built on Birmingham’s Manufacturing Legacy
The company’s foundation in Birmingham wasn’t just geographical – it was cultural. The city’s spirit of innovation and integrity has always been part of our story.
Being in the heart of the UK’s manufacturing heritage allowed Stephens Gaskets to grow alongside industries such as:
- Automotive and motorsport.
- Defence and aerospace.
- Rail and heavy engineering.
- Electrical and electronics manufacturing.
We’re proud to say many of our earliest customers remain partners to this day – a testament to long-term trust.
A Major Milestone: The Move to Oldbury in 2000
By the late 1990s, increasing demand and a growing customer base meant one thing – we needed more space. In 2000, Stephens Gaskets moved from Birmingham to a larger, more advanced facility in Oldbury, West Midlands.
This marked a major shift in our capabilities:
- Expanded production space for pressings, laser cutting, and machining.
- Modern CNC equipment and laser systems.
- Better layout for multi-process manufacturing.
- Improved logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
The move didn’t just improve output – it cemented our position as a leading UK gasket supplier, capable of scaling without sacrificing quality.
75+ Years Later: Still Family – Owned, Still Focused on Quality
Today, Stephens Gaskets remains proudly family-run. We’ve grown in capability, but the values we began with in 1947 still guide our business:
1. Integrity
Do what you say, and do it well.
2. Flexibility
Adapt to each customer’s unique need.
3. Precision
Deliver accuracy that supports safety and performance.
4. Service
Support clients at every stage of their journey.
These values aren’t just part of our story – they’re reflected in every quote we deliver and every part we ship.
How Experience Builds Expertise
One of the advantages of being a long-established gasket manufacturer is knowing what works – and what doesn’t.
We’ve spent decades learning how to:
- Select the right materials for each application.
- Develop cost-effective press tooling.
- Machine exotic materials like PEEK, PTFE, and Inconel.
- Solve customer problems with custom solutions.
- Deliver precision parts with short lead times.
Our team combines multi-generational knowledge with modern manufacturing practices, ensuring we can tackle even the most complex requirements.
Trusted by Engineers and Buyers Alike
Because of our heritage, Stephens Gaskets is trusted by procurement teams, project engineers, OEMs, and repair shops across the UK.
They rely on us because they know:
- We’ve seen their problem before.
- We know how to fix it fast.
- We can meet technical and regulatory standards.
- We won’t let them down when lead times are tight.
Our long track record means you’re not taking a chance – you’re choosing proven expertise.
Investment in Modern Manufacturing
While our history is long, our technology is current. Over the years, we’ve invested in:
- High-speed laser cutting systems.
- CNC turning and sliding head machines.
- Precision press tools and in-house die design.
- Plastic injection moulding capability.
- Advanced material sourcing and traceability.
We combine these capabilities under one roof in Oldbury to deliver a seamless, high-performance service.
Always Evolving to Meet Industry Needs
Our story isn’t just about where we’ve been – it’s about where we’re going. At Stephens Gaskets, we continue to evolve to meet new challenges.
- Supporting the green energy transition with components for EVs and renewables.
- Machining technical plastics for medical and cleanroom environments.
- Delivering one-off, fast-turnaround specials for motorsport and aerospace.
- Producing small batch prototype pressings without long tooling delays.
Our heritage gives us confidence, but it’s our adaptability that secures our future.
A Team That Knows What Matters
Many of our team members have been with us for decades. Their experience, care, and attention to detail help maintain the consistent quality that our customers expect.
When you call Stephens Gaskets, you speak to someone who understands your industry and takes pride in solving your challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does your history matter to customers?
It means we’ve solved thousands of problems. That experience allows us to move quickly and avoid mistakes that others might make.
2. Is Stephens Gaskets still a family-run business?
Yes, we are – and that personal investment shows in our service. We take long-term relationships seriously.
3. Has your manufacturing kept pace with modern demand?
Absolutely. We combine traditional engineering knowledge with modern CNC, laser, and digital tools.
4. Do you only work with big companies?
Not at all. We work with everyone – from sole traders to multinationals, and support both small orders and major contracts.
Final Thoughts
Heritage matters. At Stephens Gaskets, our heritage of quality since 1947 is more than history – it’s your guarantee. A guarantee that your parts will be made to spec, delivered on time, and backed by a company that’s been doing this for over 75 years.
When experience counts, count on Stephens Gaskets.