Our Story

About TBS

Now part of Berkshire Hathaway, TBS was founded in 1968 by Thomas Stamp in Cheltenham, England, producing automatic machinery for the battery industry. 

We operate across the globe supplying machines
to OEM and replacement battery manufacturers, many of which produce batteries that power some of the world’s biggest names in automotive engineering.

Many of the medium to large UPS systems in operation around the world have cells in them that have been produced on our machinery.

Our engineering design and manufacture is second to none in the industry, along with our ongoing customer care and support services.

Our commitment to sustainability and safety is evidenced not just in our own operations but in our products which give our customers flexibility, improve their operational efficiency and reduce material usage.

In 1990 we received the Queens Award for Export, one of the highest honours bestowed to a British business.  And in 2011 we expanded our global capability and became the world leader in plate manufacturing, with the purchase of the Cominco Battery Group.

Today we have one of the most experienced teams in the sector with over 200 employees working around the world.

Over the years we have expanded our operations and in 2014 we invested over £1m in research and development to pioneer new technologies and support our customers with class leading battery assembly equipment.

At a glance

  • Established in 1968
  • World leader in battery automation
  • 200 employees worldwide
  • Worldwide head office in the UK
  • Production facilities in the USA, China and Canada
  • Awarded the Queens Award for export
  • 50 years of engineering excellence
  • Part of the Berkshire Hathaway Group
  • Producing products used by the biggest automotive names

Key milestones

1968 TBS established by Thomas Stamp in Cheltenham, England

1980 Turnover exceeds £10m and TBS goes from strength to strength

1981 COS5 launched revolutionising the automated battery sector

1990 TBS receives Queens Award for Export, the highest honour bestowed on a UK company

1998 Launch of TBS Speedshift assembly line equipment

2000 Partner to the major OEM battery suppliers to the world’s automotive brands

2002 TBS acquired by Mitek industries and becomes part of the Berkshire Hathaway Group

2004 TBS purchase Tekmax, the world’s largest provider of battery plate enveloping equipment

2006 TBS launches its HiTek plate enveloping machines

2009 TBS forms JV with Digatron to manufacture and service equipment in China

2010 Turnover exceeds £25m and TBS continues its global growth

2011 Establish North America presence and capabilities in Plate Manufacturing with Cominco purchase

2012 UK manufacturing facilities expanded to meet growing demand

2014 TBS invests over £1m in new product development