2025 marks 40 years since JET PRESS took its first major step in the UK, a moment that laid the foundations for the business as we know it today.
While the story began in 1977 in Ireland, where Gustav Schwarz started manufacturing Jetnuts for the German automotive industry, it was in 1985 that Gustav, alongside Barry Perry, opened JET PRESS in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire. Their goal was to expand the product range and bring high-quality fastening solutions to a wider market.
Four decades later, that decision has led to a globally recognised business, known for its technical expertise, broad product offering and commitment to service.
From those early foundations, JET PRESS has evolved into a trusted global supplier of engineered fasteners and components. Today, the company is headquartered in Nottinghamshire and supports customers in over 50 countries, serving industries ranging from automotive and furniture to general industrial and bespoke applications.
A major step forward came in 1999 with the launch of Components Direct, the company's dedicated e-commerce platform. This enabled JET PRESS to make its extensive product range more accessible and streamlined the ordering process for customers across sectors. It was a forward-thinking move that reflected a commitment to innovation and customer service.
Key acquisitions
Just a few years later, in 2004, JET PRESS took another significant step with the acquisition of DD&A Tools, a business originally founded as a toolmaker for TRW. When TRW exited the market, its tooling was dispersed to several companies, including JET PRESS. This acquisition became JET PRESS Aylesbury, a key development that enhanced the company's metal stamping capabilities and allowed to to offer even more to customers.
More recently, JET PRESS has continued to grow and diversify. It acquired Acorn Mouldings, a specialist in plastic injection moulding and Mechfast, further expanding its engineering expertise and reach.
These milestones reflect a business that's always progressing, innovating, adapting and expanding to meet the needs of a changing market. Yet while the JET PRESS product range and capabilities have grown, the company's core values remain unchanged.
JET PRESS is still proudly family-owned, with a member of the second generation, Olly Guest, now leading the business along with recently appointed Managing Director Richard Johnson. Many of the company's colleagues have been with it for decades, offering customers continuity, deep product knowledge and exceptional service. At JET PRESS, you're not just buying components, you're gaining a reliable partner who understands your challenges and is committed to helping you succeed.
What began with a single product, the humble Jetnut, has grown into a vast and varied offering that reflects just how far JET PRESS has come. Today, the company draws on decades of technical expertise and industry insight to source from over 120 global suppliers, giving customers access to more than 20,000 standard items. From everyday fasteners to highly specialised components, JET PRESS holds over 80 million parts in stock, ready to support projects of every scale.
Along the way, the company has built strong partnerships with trusted brands like ARaymond, Accuride, ITW, Heyco, Sigma and many more, giving customers confidence in every connection. And the company is excited to introduce even more brands and products, working with a growing network of suppliers to continue to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.