Celebrating 40 Years of JET PRESS

JET PRESS Ireland (1977)

From Ireland to Huthwaite: Laying the Foundations From Jetnuts to Global Fastening Solutions

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 our 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.

JET PRESS Huthwaite - 1st Site (1985)

JET PRESS Huthwaite (Today)

From those early foundations, JET PRESS has evolved into a trusted global supplier of engineered fasteners and components. Today, we’re headquartered in Nottinghamshire and support 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, our dedicated e-commerce platform. This enabled us to make our extensive product range more accessible and streamlined the ordering process for customers across sectors. It was a forward-thinking move that reflected our commitment to innovation and customer service.

Key Acquisitions that shaped our Future

Just a few years later, in 2004, we 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. When the owner of DD&A retired, we saw the opportunity to bring the business into the
JET PRESS family. This acquisition became JET PRESS Aylesbury, a key development that enhanced our metal stamping capabilities and allowed us to offer even more to our customers.

More recently, we’ve continued to grow and diversify. We acquired Acorn Mouldings, a specialist in plastic injection moulding and Mechfast, further expanding our 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 our product range and capabilities have grown, our core values remain unchanged.

People, Partners and LONGEVITY

We are still proudly family-owned, with a member of the second generation - Olly Guest now leading the business along with our recently appointed Managing Director Richard Johnson. Many of our colleagues have been with us 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, we draw on decades of technical expertise and industry insight to source from over 120 global suppliers, giving our customers access to more than 20,000 standard items. From everyday fasteners to highly specialised components, we hold over 80 million parts in stock, ready to support projects of every scale. Along the way, we’ve built strong partnerships with trusted brands like ARaymond, Accuride, ITW, Heyco, Sigma and many more, giving our customers confidence in every connection. And we’re not stopping there. As we look to the future, we’re excited to introduce even more brands and products, working with a growing network of suppliers to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.

Recognised Standards and Affiliations

Over the past 40 years, we’ve earned accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, expanded our warehousing across the UK and Europe, and built lasting partnerships around the world. We’re also proud members of BIAFD, Made in Britain and the British Furniture Association (BFA), further reflecting our commitment to quality, collaboration and industry excellence.

Looking Ahead

At our core, service has always been more than just a word, it’s our culture. As we look ahead, we remain focused on progressing with purpose. Whether through new technologies, smarter processes, or stronger partnerships, we’ll continue to evolve to support our customers just as we have for the past four decades.

Here’s to 40 years of fastening solutions you can trust and many more to come.