
The Beginning: A New Chapter
In November 2015, Phase 3 UK Ltd was acquired from administration. The new owners, already experienced in manufacturing the contact within the connector, saw an opportunity to preserve and grow the business by maintaining the account for metalwork manufacturing. The company, originally based in Fife, Scotland, quickly revealed the reasons behind its earlier struggles: outdated systems and procedures, a lack of discipline and external accreditation, minimal digital presence, and a demoralised workforce operating in challenging conditions.
Recognising these challenges, we set out in 2016 to transform the company’s ethos. Our priority was to reassure our customer base that we could turn the business around. This was no small feat, as the supply chain—having previously been left unpaid—now demanded upfront payment from the new owners.
Rebranding and Modernisation
To signal a fresh start, we changed the company’s name to Phase 3 Connectors Ltd, aligning it with our website and unveiling a new, modern logo. We launched a new website, embraced social media, and pursued external accreditation. These steps marked the beginning of our global growth. Although our connectors are manufactured in the UK, we have always maintained a strong worldwide digital focus.
Achieving Industry Accreditations
By the end of 2018, we had achieved both VDE and UL accreditations—becoming the only Powerlock company to hold both. This recognition set us apart in the industry and validated our commitment to quality and safety.
Strategic Growth and Global Expansion
As the company grew, we focused on efficiency. In July 2021, we made the difficult decision to close our site in Scotland, as most of our UK customer base was now in the south. We worked to find new positions for affected staff within our supply chain, ensuring continuity and support for our team.
Our global ambitions led us to open bases in Australia, India, North America, the Middle East and now a dedicated EU presence – each with its own website. With a global product, a global supply chain became essential. We recognised that to serve customers across up to 12 time zones, local presence and service were crucial.
Results and Recognition
Our journey has been marked by remarkable growth: from first-year sales of £1.6 million to £13.2 million in 2024. This trajectory has put us well on our way to becoming the global market leader.
The ultimate compliment came in February 2025, when Sdiptech Plc acquired 100% of our shares. The day-to-day running of the company remains unchanged, and we look forward to continuing our journey with our new owners as we approach our 20-year anniversary.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our customers, staff, and external supply chain partners who have supported us over the past decade. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our success.
For more about our journey and offerings, visit http://www.p3connectors.com.
“Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.”