St Helens Plant Announces Strategic UK Partnership with Van Thiel United

New UK-Netherlands partnership brings together European Tube-Lock® technology and British scaffolding expertise to expand product availability across the UK and Ireland.

St Helens Plant (SHP Services), a leading UK scaffolding supply, fabrication, and reconditioning specialist, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Netherlands-based Van Thiel United (VTU).

Following a meeting on Thursday, 29 October 2026, both companies confirmed a joint commitment to developing the UK and Irish markets for the advanced Tube-Lock® system.

Direct Supply of European Innovation

At the centre of the partnership is Van Thiel United’s Tube-Lock® connection technology, designed to deliver superior on-site efficiency and speed compared to conventional systems.

For the first time, these highly sought-after Tube-Lock – previously only accessible via European distribution – can now be offered, supplied, and delivered directly through SHP’s extensive distribution network.

Covering England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the offshore sector.

Tube-Lock - Van Theil - SHP Partnership — Tube-Lock – Van Thiel United 🇳🇱 – SHP UK Partnership 🇬🇧

Planned Future UK Conversion Capabilities

Alongside immediate product supply, SHP and VTU are actively progressing plans to establish dedicated Tube-Lock® tube conversion capabilities at SHP’s existing 35,000 sq ft North West manufacturing facility.

Once operational, this heavy-duty processing line will allow contractors to bring in their existing, used 48.3mm standard scaffold tube to be straightened, cut, inspected and converted locally to Tube-Lock®.

♻️ This service will allow businesses to cost-effectively upgrade their current stock into high-efficiency Tube-Lock® assets while entirely bypassing international logistics and import red tape.

Specialist processing machinery is scheduled for installation and commissioning first quarter of 2027.

Please note: the conversion facility is a planned future development and is not yet operational; further rollout details will follow as the project progresses.

Looking Ahead

The immediate priority is the rollout of the Van Thiel United product range through SHP’s sales channels, supported by a joint product brochure and direct engagement across the NASC, Scaffolding Association, and wider UK supply chain.