Air bearings limited

Innovative Solutions
Leadership teamLooking For A Job?

About

About Us…

ABL is an innovative manufacturer of air bearings solutions that are used to solve real world engineering problems.

ABL is an innovative manufacturer of air bearings solutions that are used to solve real world engineering problems.

Founded in 1993 as Precise Air Bearings, ABL was a joint venture between three partners. In 1996 Precise Air Bearings caught the attention of Hitachi Via Mechanics (HVM) who were so impressed with their proven ability to supply quality air bearing solutions, they purchased a share in the company. It was at this time two out of the three partners chose to relinquish their share leaving the third shareholder in partnership with HVM. The change of management structure brought with it a change of name and Air Bearings Limited (ABL) was born.

After the final share holder retired in 2010, HVM went on to own 100% of the company. In November 2013, HVM and subsequently ABL were officially bought out by The Longreach Group and became Via Mechanics Ltd whilst ABL have continued to use their current name. Over the years and even in the midst of a worldwide recession, ABL has maintained the ability to grow and develop, investing in our staff to ensure continuity and quality. ABL now occupies a 4600m2 purpose built manufacturing facility on the South coast of England, employing over 140 highly skilled people.

ABL is responsible for every aspect of production, from analysis and design through to manufacture and assembly. ABL’s extensive use of the latest software analysis tools and CNC machining centres ensures that customer’s requirements are met at every stage of the manufacturing process. This expertise has been recognised at the highest level; being three times winners of the prestigious Queen’s Award.

ABL now operates as a Via Mechanics Ltd company with manufacturing based in the UK and Japan and a worldwide network of sales offices.

Preloader

  • HVM re-branded as Via Mechanics Ltd

    HVM re-branded as Via Mechanics Ltd

      The Longreach Group bought out HVM (and subsequently ABL).

  • HVM own 100% of ABL

    HVM own 100% of ABL

    In 2010 eventually Hitachi Via Mechanics owned 100% of ABL after the third shareholder returned in 2010.

  • Air Bearings Limited (ABL)

    In 1996 Air Bearings Limited (ABL) was born. Two out of the three partners chose to relinquish their share leaving the third shareholder in partnership with HVM.

  • HVM Purchase Share

      In 1996 Precise Air Bearings caught the attention of Hitachi Via Mechanics (HVM) who were so impressed with their proven ability to supply quality air bearing solutions, they purchased a share in the company. It was at this time two out of the three partners chose to relinquish their…

  • Precise Air Bearings

    Precise Air Bearings

    Founded in 1993 as Precise Air Bearings. ABL was a joint venture between three partners.

Our Awards

ABL’s achievements have been recognised on a number of occasions and, in particular, ABL has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award on 3 occasions;
  • 2000 Queen’s award for Enterprise
  • 2002 Queen’s award for Enterprise
  • 2005 Queen’s award for Enterprise & Innovation
We have also been recognised at a local level by the Dorset Business Awards in 2004:
  • Winner – The Dorset Chamber Of Commerce and Industry ‘International’ award
  • Runner-up – The Institute of Directors ‘Innovation’ award
  • Runner-up – The KPMG Company of the Year

Air Bearings Ltd
Unit A Nimrod Way
East Dorset Trade Park
Ferndown, Dorset BH21 7HZ

+44 (0)1202 680 805

Make an Enquiry
Click here to contact us and enquire about our services

Air bearings limited © 2024 | Terms and conditions | Privacy and cookie policy