Our Heritage
Our Heritage
Since 2021, ESP UK, Lubetech, and Liquid Safety Solutions have been successfully integrated into FyterTech Nonwovens, while the NPS Towel and Tissue Division was sold.
Fast forward to today, and we reflect on how far we've come. Through a series of strategic mergers and acquisitions, we’ve evolved into what is now proudly known as FyterTech Nonwovens UK — a global manufacturer specialising in spill control, filtration, and health & hygiene products.
Our UK division, based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, is at the forefront of producing meltblown absorbent materials, serving a wide range of spill control applications across industries.
Let’s take a closer look at how it all came together.
The history of Lubetech
Lubetech was founded in 1996 in Chandlers Ford, near Southampton, UK. Initially operating from a small warehouse, the company entered in to spill control products. Lubetech began by offering a modest range of absorbents and spill control items, gradually developing its own brand known for attention to detail and innovative solutions.
As the company grew, it expanded its operations in the Southampton area, relocating to a larger facility in Hedge End in 1998 to accommodate a broader product range and to accommodate the company’s growth. During this period, the company developed its 'Classic' product line and produced a more comprehensive catalogue, marking its ascent to market leadership in spill control solutions.
In 2017, Lubetech was acquired by NPS Corporation, a US-based manufacturer with a strong presence in spill control products. This acquisition allowed NPS Corporation to expand its footprint in the UK and Europe.
The history of ESP UK (Environmental Spill Protection)
ESP UK was a prominent UK-based manufacturer specialising in meltblown polypropylene absorbents and spill control products. The company operated from Oldham, Greater Manchester, and focused on providing high-quality spill prevention and recovery solutions through distributor partnerships.
ESP UK was known for its innovative product designs and commitment to environmental safety. Their product line included a variety of absorbents and spill control items, such as:
- Absorbent Pads and Rolls: Available in oil-only, maintenance, and chemical variants, designed to handle different types of spills.
- Booms: ESP pioneered the single skin boom, offering increased strength for oil spill containment in both fresh and seawater environments.
- Drum Tops: Manufactured from fine fibre materials, these drum tops featured advanced absorbency technology.
- Wick Absorbents: Products with high absorption rates and sustainable credentials due to significant recycled content.
- Industrial Rugs: Absorbent mats and rolls designed for surface protection, made with a needle-punched core of sustainable fibres.
- Secondary Containment: Including spill pallets, work floors, and wheeled bins to prevent environmental contamination.
- Granular Absorbents: Offering alternatives to fibre-based absorbents, suitable for various spill scenarios.
Like Lubetech, ESP UK was acquired by NPS in 2017 to further dominate the spill control market.
The history of Liquid Safety Solutions
Liquid Safety Solutions (LSS) is not a separate company, but a branding initiative launched by NPS Corporation in early 2020 to enhance its spill control division's identity. This branding emphasised the company's commitment to providing comprehensive spill control solutions.
In February 2021, NPS Corporation underwent a significant restructuring. The company sold its Towel and Tissue Division, along with the NPS name, and rebranded its remaining operations as FyterTech Nonwovens LLC. This rebranding marked a renewed focus on nonwoven fabrics and spill control solutions.
As part of this transition, ESP UK, along with Lubetech, became integral components of FyterTech Nonwovens' UK operations. The combined expertise of ESP UK's innovative product designs and manufacturing background paired with Lubetech's established brand reputation enhanced FyterTech's capabilities in providing spill control solutions globally.
Current Spill Control Operations and Offerings
Today, FyterTech Nonwovens operates from its manufacturing and distribution facility in Oldham, Greater Manchester, continuing the legacy of ESP UK. The company specialises in manufacturing meltblown absorbent materials, along with absorbent socks, pillows and booms, and offers an extensive range of spill control products, as well as offering site surveys and providing various levels of spill training.
FyterTech Nonwovens continues to serve a global market, supplying products through a network of distributor partners and maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection and workplace safety.
The End?
We hope you’re all caught up into the history of where we are today! If you have any questions or have a story to tell about one of the companies above, please let us know!
View our latest catalogue of Spill Control products