Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Sailing




Allen Brothers gains ISO 9001 accreditation

by Ben Harden 18 Apr 2019 18:00 AEST
Allen Brothers gains ISO 9001 accreditation © Allen Brothers

The UK's leading manufacturer of performance sailing hardware, Allen Brothers, has recently undergone an audit to gain ISO 9001 certification, and as a result, the British company now has accreditation to be formally recognised as competent to perform specific processes.

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard set by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Businesses that gain ISO 9001 have shown to UKAS they are able to keep a high quality of business practice throughout many different areas, including; customer service, consistent product manufacturing and regulatory requirements. Allen Brothers will have to undergo an audit each year to show UKAS it can maintain a satisfactory level or production and business practices.

In recent years Allen Brothers has seen major growth in custom projects for businesses both in and outside of the marine sector. Undergoing many different custom projects is only achievable with a well informed and organised production operation. Having gained ISO 9001 accreditation shows Allen Brothers is capable of mass manufacturing high quality products as well as being able to ensure a high level of craftmanship is carried out for custom items.

The Allen brothers Tony and Glen first founded the business back in 1956 with a vision of creating performance sailing hardware driven by innovation and technology. The first products they produced for their own race boats were such an improvement on everything then in use, customers demanded they set up production to meet the market. 63 years later and the family run business still holds true to the same principles by staying at the forefront of innovation and technology for the marine industry.

Allen Brothers still researches, designs, prototypes and manufactures everything from its Essex based factory. The company has recently invested in new computer aided design software, production software and machinery such as a new vertical machining center to help maintain a high standard of production.

Some of Allen Brothers in-house resources include:

  • Design & CAD modelling using advanced PTC Creo CAD software the Allen design team can quickly develop new ideas and designs into computer models, which can be structurally assessed with their Ansys computer simulated stress analysis software. Prototype models can be seen within hours using the Dimension 3D part printer.

  • Tool making - finished designs are seamlessly progressed through the tool making stages using the parametric features of PTC Creo tool design and NC machining software. The toolmakers can produce single or multi-impression tools for injection moulding, sheet metal pierce and blank tools, secondary operation form tools, assembly jigs and fixtures.

  • Component parts - The factory is equipped to manufacture a diverse range of parts and can be particularly flexible in the production of short-run specialist parts, and low to medium volume quantities.

  • CNC injection moulding Allen Brothers are experts in the use of advanced engineering polymers and composites such as carbon fibre filled acetals and nylons.

  • CNC turned parts - 5 axis sliding head lathes produce high precision parts in all materials.

  • CNC sheet metal forming presses produce pierced and blanked parts, with secondary forming.

  • CNC milled parts 2 HAAS 3-axis vertical milling centres allow Allen Brothers to make precision milled parts in a range of material from marine grade 6082 aluminium to Brass & Acetal.

  • Pressure die casting Allen Brothers have the facilities in-house to die cast aluminium yacht fittings using a hot-chamber die cast machine.

  • Aluminium gravity cast parts are also cast in the in-house foundry.

  • Fabrication The Allen Brothers versatile and skilled workforce can provide fully assembled products, using a range of techniques such as welding, drilling, riveting, threaded fasteners, adhesives, pad-printing and packing.

For more information about Allen Brothers or to get in touch about any custom projects you might have, please visit www.allenbrothers.co.uk or email

Related Articles

A quick look at some of Allen's latest products
Including a modern forestay lever, a halyard retainer, plain bearing sheave and big boat Pad-Tii Including a modern and refined version of the classic forestay/shroud lever. Plus keep your cockpit clean and clutter-free with the Halyard Retainer! Posted on 28 Aug
Double Podium For Team Allen
Enzo Ballanger sailed fully equipped with Allen hardware to a Moth Worlds victory Representing Team Allen through its French distributor, XPO, Enzo Ballanger sailed fully equipped with Allen hardware to a dominant victory at the 2025 International Moth World Championship. Posted on 16 Jul
Jazz Turner Makes History in Project FEAR
Jazz credits Allen for providing cutting-edge sheeting systems, as well as expert advice Project FEAR, an extraordinary solo sailing voyage by Jazz Turner, has concluded successfully: she became the first disabled person – and specifically the first wheelchair user – to sail non-stop and unassisted around the UK and Ireland. Posted on 12 Jul
The Acetal Pivoting Mast Step
A New Generation of Precision At Allen, we're always refining performance through engineering innovation. That's why we're excited to introduce the Acetal Pivoting Mast Step – a lightweight, cost-effective evolution of our popular Aluminium Pivoting Mast Step. Posted on 10 Jul
Waszp Upgrade Guide
Well-functioning control systems make the boat easier to handle The WASZP is a high-performance, single-handed dinghy that is surprisingly simple to rig. Although the setup is fairly straightforward, it's crucial that all the systems run smoothly and efficiently. Posted on 8 May
Allen Brothers becomes full Clamcleat® Distributor
Building on a long-standing relationship between the two companies Allen Brothers, a leading manufacturer of performance sailing hardware, is pleased to announce an upgraded partnership with fellow British brand, Clamcleat®. Posted on 24 Apr
SWITCH Boat Tour & Fittings Guide
With Team Allen sailor Ross “Rossgo” Banham Team Allen sailor Ross “Rossgo” Banham brought his latest foiling craft, the SWITCH One Design by Element 6, to the Allen factory for a full hardware refit. Posted on 16 Apr
Allen chat with Mozzy and Ben
Cam Cleat spring options and retro revival Vang Lever development Mark Jardine, Managing Editor of Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com, chats with Tom 'Mozzy' Morris and Ben Harden of Allen about some of the new fittings they've developed. Posted on 24 Feb
New Traveller Car Systems from Allen
Meticulously engineered to enhance control for dinghies, cats, and keelboats up to 28ft Meticulously engineered to enhance sail control for dinghies, catamarans, and keelboats up to 28ft, these new systems are designed to provide sailors with precise and effortless adjustments, ensuring optimal performance on the water. Posted on 5 Feb
Allen Launches 'The Hardware Handbook'
A new newsletter for sailing enthusiasts Allen, the UK's leading manufacturer of high-performance sailing hardware, is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new newsletter, The Hardware Handbook. Posted on 18 Dec 2024
Allen SailingAllen Dynamic 40 Footer