About Us

Clamcleats Limited offers one-stop solutions for injection moulded parts in engineering plastics.

We have been established for 50 years, manufacturing both our own and other companies' products. This gives us the experience to look at projects from both a supplier's and a customer's point of view.

Our Journey

Milestones that shaped our story

1963

The spark of invention

A simple mishap - a light-pull cord’s knob broke off - sparked the insight that there must be a better way to hold rope without relying on a knot.
1964

First prototype cleat

After extensive development and material trials, the company produced its first cleat made of nylon - the first step in bringing the new “ridged” grip design to life.
1965

New Company formation & trademark registration

Clamcleats Ltd is officially founded. Initial patents are filed and the trademark “Clamcleat” is registered, marking the formal start of the business.
1966-67

Early international recognition

One of the early adopters of the cleat technology was Sir Francis Chichester - he helped put our cleats on the World Map when he set the first speed record for single-handed circumnavigation of the globe.
1972

Aluminium cleats & “Racing” range born

To meet the higher demands of performance sailing, aluminium cleats are introduced and the “Racing” range is created - expanding the versatility of the product line.
1980-2000

Increasing in-house manufacture

Operating in a demanding marine environment requires exceptional quality and strong corrosion resistance. To meet these standards, we significantly expanded our in-house manufacturing capabilities, enabling greater control over production and faster delivery times. Alongside our injection moulding expertise, we developed and integrated high-pressure diecasting, paint spraying, and product printing into our operations, strengthening both our capacity and efficiency.
2003

Injection moulding and toolmaking services offered to trade customers.

Building on its strong reputation for quality and service, the company expanded its manufacturing offering to support clients beyond the marine industry, and now produces components and products on behalf of other companies across a wider range of sectors.
2005

Design accolade for accessories

A significant recognition: the "Keepers" accessory wins a category award at the DAME Design Awards, spotlighting innovation beyond just cleats. Using the expertise gained from producing cleats for marine use, we expanded our services to offer toolmaking and sourcing of inserts and components.
2012

New factory in Costa Rica

To support global growth and additional production needs, a new facility (IMATS) opens in Costa Rica dedicated to injection-moulding for the Americas.
2016

Further Investment in die-casting technology

The company orders a new cold-chamber high pressure die-casting machine to modernise its UK foundry, improving capacity, consistency, and environmental performance. Finishing processes were upgraded at the same time to support these advancements.
2018

Acquisition of Miniplas Ltd

Clamcleats reinforced its UK manufacturing presence through the acquisition of Miniplas Ltd, strengthening its tooling services and in-house expertise. This move expanded advanced tooling and moulding capacity while securing skilled jobs within the local community.
2025

60 years of British innovation

Clamcleats Ltd marks 60 years of UK manufacturing excellence - now producing far more than cleats, serving multiple industries worldwide, and providing precision moulding services for other leading companies.

Clamcleats Ltd, a family-run business now in its third generation, combines strong engineering expertise with efficient operations to deliver exceptional quality and personalised service.

Our rope cleats have been manufactured at our UK facility since day one, encompassing every step of production - from design and tooling to casting, moulding, finishing, and packaging. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain full control over quality at every stage. While primarily serving the sailing and windsurfing markets, our cleats are also widely used in various industrial applications.

In addition to our cleat range, Clamcleats Ltd offers comprehensive tooling services, helping customers bring their own product ideas to life. From initial design and prototyping to full-scale production, we collaborate closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that meet their precise needs. Our advanced tooling capabilities ensure that we can produce high-quality, custom parts with precision, delivering on both performance and durability.

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Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm GMT