Draft:Flexipads World Class

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Flexipads World Class Limited
TypePrivate company limited by shares
IndustryPower tool accessories; abrasives; surface finishing
FoundedJanuary 1, 1974; 52 years ago (1974-01-01)
FounderBrian Jeans
Headquarters
Bristol
,
United Kingdom
ProductsBacking pads (angle grinder; dual-action/orbital); sanding foams; polishing foams; hand sanding blocks
ParentGekatex Group
Websiteflexipads.com

Flexipads World Class Limited is a British manufacturer of power tool accessories, specializing in the design and production of backing pads for angle grinders, dual-action sanders, and related consumables. The company is best known for its range of sanding and polishing foams, including pads used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.[1]

History

Flexipads was founded in 1974 by Brian Jeans, an ex-salesperson for Bosch Power Tools. Operating from his house in Honiton, Devon, UK, Jeans identified a gap in the market for high-quality consumables for professional users. The company’s first product was an angle grinder backing pad designed to fit a standard M14 thread. The model **20115** (115mm M14) became the best-selling angle grinder pad in the UK for over 30 years.[2]

Over the following decades, Flexipads expanded its product range to include polishing foams, hand pads, and dual-action orbital pads. The company's focus on high-quality, durable products and a strong customer base led to rapid growth, especially in the UK market. The company’s products were marketed under the Flexipads brand and were also sold under private labels in several markets.[3]

In 2005, the company relocated its operations to Bristol, UK, to support its growing export business. The acquisition of Flexipads World Class Limited by Gekatex Group in February 2018 allowed the company to leverage Gekatex's global reach and resources, further boosting its export growth, particularly in the automotive detailing market.[4]

Products

Flexipads manufactures a variety of products for the power tool and surface finishing industries. The company's product portfolio includes:

  • Backing Pads: The primary product of Flexipads, designed for angle grinders and dual-action orbital sanders. These pads come in various sizes and thread types to accommodate different tools.[3]
  • Polishing and Sanding Foams: High-density foam pads used for automotive polishing, grinding, and sanding applications.[5]
  • Hand Pads and Blocks: Designed for manual sanding and polishing, used in both industrial and domestic applications.[6]

The **20115** model backing pad (115mm M14) is especially popular, with an estimated three-decade run as the best-selling pad in the UK.[7]

Global Reach and Exports

While Flexipads initially focused on the UK market, it quickly became known for its high-quality products and expanded to serve international markets. Today, Flexipads exports its products worldwide, supported by distribution partnerships in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.[8]

Since joining the Gekatex Group in 2018, the company has seen further expansion into new regions and sectors, especially in automotive detailing and industrial surface preparation.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Flexipads Official Site". Flexipads. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  2. ^ "Flexipads History". Flexipads. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  3. ^ a b Flexipads. "Our Story." Accessed 25 September 2025.
  4. ^ "Flexipads Acquisition by Gekatex". Gekatex Group. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  5. ^ "Flexipads Product Catalogue". Flexipads. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Hand Pads and Blocks". Flexipads. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  7. ^ "Best-Selling Products". RB Tools. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  8. ^ "Flexipads International". Flexipads. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  9. ^ "Flexipads Joins Gekatex Group". Gekatex. Retrieved 25 September 2025.

Key Points and Sources:

The company started in 1974 by Brian Jeans, known for designing the 20115 backing pad.

The expansion into other consumables like polishing foams and dual-action orbital pads is a core part of its story.

Gekatex acquisition in 2018 brought increased international exposure.

References

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