The Part-On Story

What does it take to turn a £2,000 investment and a second-hand van into a multi-million-pound enterprise? For our Managing Director, Chris Parton, it started with hard work, resilience, and unwavering vision. On the left, Chris stands in front of the small unit where Part-On Tools Limited began its journey in 2009. On the right, he's in our expansive warehouse on the day of our launch of our new demonstration room, these images represent years of growth and success. This isn't just a business story; it's a story of grit and determination.

The Rocky Road to Resilience 

Chris's path wasn't a straight line. "I didn’t have the smoothest start in life, but that rocky road gave me grit." He stumbled into the world of tools, learning the trade alongside a talented repairman named Bob. While he built skills, he also built a family, and with it, the need for a stable future. He didn't have a safety net - no family wealth, no inside connections. What he had was a mindset forged in adversity, a relentless drive, and an appetite for learning.

His next step into the industry was at an SME in the fastening industry, where he turned their non-existent tool department into a £500k operation and secured major automotive accounts. However, when his vision no longer aligned with the company's, he made the difficult decision to walk away. At 28, he had no property, no savings, and no cushion. With just £2,000, a second-hand van, and a few tools from eBay, he rented a small unit and founded Part-On Tools Limited.

Building Something from Nothing 

"No outside funding, no magic formula, just long days, big ideas, and sheer determination" Chris recalls.

That determination paid off. Part-On Tools Limited was founded in 2009, and we were proud to grow into Part-On Group Holdings in 2017. A key milestone came in 2020 during COVID - a challenging time for many - when we officially registered Part-On Fabrications. We were fortunate to not only survive but to thrive, expanding our bespoke metal manufacturing offerings and taking a new leap into the world of UK manufacturing.

We've celebrated many achievements along the way, including the launch of our tooling demonstration room in 2021, a milestone documented by Torque Magazine and Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. We've also solidified our relationships with leading manufacturers. We've always been a main distribution centre in the UK for FAR tools, but more recently, we became their only authorised UK repair and service centre, strengthening our bond with this renowned Italian manufacturer. Our expertise in riveting tools and fastening solutions has been instrumental in our journey, and we were recently honoured to be the only UK distributor invited to Gesipa's 70th-anniversary celebrations in Frankfurt this year.

Today, Part-On has grown from a humble start-up into a multi-million-pound business. We've weathered storms , outlasted the “box shifters” and built a reputation on genuine expertise, not empty promises. As a family-run business, we're proud of our journey and the team of passionate people who share our vision. We don't just sell tools; we create solutions and opportunities! Chris's journey is a classic case of entrepreneurship, building something from nothing. The company's rapid business growth is a result of that sheer determination.

A Vision for the Future 

Part-On is more than a business; it's a place for ambition and growth. It's a testament to what's possible when you refuse to quit. Chris's dream extends beyond business success. He hopes to give back and help others who, like him, started with nothing and felt alone, to see that their past doesn’t define their future. Because :

"If there's one thing I've learned, it's that adversity doesn't break you; it builds you."

This philosophy is beautifully captured in his favourite quote to say:

"In business and in life, we all reach the end. What defines us is how we travel the road, not how fast we get there."

It's a powerful reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. We're incredibly proud of Chris's leadership and the incredible journey of Part-On. Here's to many more years of growth, integrity, and building on a foundation of genuine grit!