In this month’s Face to Face we speak with Robert Cullen, National Sales Manager, Hultafors Group UK, and find out more about the company and its multiple tool brands.
Q. When was Hultafors Group UK established and what is the company best known for?
Hultafors Group has an extensive heritage that dates back to 1883, when Karl-Hilmer Johansson Kollén invented the folding rule in Sweden. The UK subsidiary, which is based in West Yorkshire, has been supporting tradespeople here for decades, following the group’s expansion through acquisition and organic growth in the early 2000s.
Hultafors is best known for producing high-precision, ergonomic hand tools designed for professional use. The brand has built its reputation on Swedish design, durability, and a focus on developing tools that make everyday work more efficient. Today, the wider group includes 14 brands – including Hultafors, Snickers Workwear, SCANGRIP and Telesteps – which deliver trusted solutions for professionals across the electrical and construction sectors.
Q. What new products is Hultafors Group UK introducing to the UK market?
We’ve recently introduced a number of new tools and accessories which have been developed specifically with electricians and other trades in mind. Among the latest additions from Hultafors Tools is the TR EL Electrician’s Hammer, which features a lighter head with a U-shaped striking surface for better control in tight spaces, as well as a vibration-damping handle to reduce strain during use. Another new release is the Waste Manager – a portable, recycled-material waste bag holder designed to keep worksites clean and organised.
We’ve also launched the Nail Puller 409/10”, made from high-alloy boron steel and incorporating a hammer anchor point for extra leverage. Alongside these, the expanded range of tool-carrying solutions such as pouches and zippered tool bags gives electricians, maintenance teams, and technicians a variety of options to suit different tasks.
From our Telesteps brand, the new Backpack has been designed to make transporting the PRIME ladder effortless, supporting tradespeople who need mobility and convenience on site.
Finally, SCANGRIP has introduced the TOWER 8 CONNECT – the most powerful floodlight in the range. Delivering up to 8,000 lumens, it can run on all professional 18/20V batteries or via the POWER SUPPLY for continuous light, making it ideal for illuminating workspaces safely and efficiently.
Q. What sets Hultafors Group UK brands apart from other tool manufacturers?
With over 140 years of experience, the group has a long legacy of Swedish design and innovation. What really defines us, though, is how closely we work with the professionals who use our tools.
Our development teams spend time on site with electricians and technicians to understand real-world challenges and how tools are used day-to-day. This collaboration is how we’ve created products like the ELK Electrician’s Knife with a cable-stripping notch, or the PRSS Stainless Steel Tapes with Class 1 accuracy and corrosion resistance.
We also place a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability. Tools are made from high-grade materials like boron and stainless steel, and we’re committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Using recycled materials in production is already a standard part of how we work.
Q. Aside from traditional hand tools, what product ranges are currently proving popular in the electrical sector?
We’ve seen strong demand for smart storage and carrying solutions. Professionals need a more tailored solution depending on the job in hand and the market for carriers is vast. Hultafors offers one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market, with the line up including open-wide tool carriers for easy access, zippered tool bags for secure storage of small parts, and specialist pouches designed for quick access to essential tools. This breadth ensures every professional can find a carrying solution perfectly suited to their trade and working style.
Lighting continues to be a fast-moving category. SCANGRIP’s professional LED work lights are highly sought after for site illumination thanks to their exceptional power, flexibility, and innovative features. The CONNECT range stands out for its unique compatibility with all major professional 18V/20V battery systems, allowing users to power their lights with the same batteries they use for their cordless tools. The For Life range also offers unrivalled efficiency and reliability for tradespeople working in challenging or variable lighting conditions. With a 5-year warranty and spare parts available, the LED work lights are built with robust materials and advanced technology to withstand daily use on demanding job sites. The range includes rechargeable and mains-powered options, with features such as high-impact resistance and waterproofing.
Telescopic ladders remain popular for their portability and space-saving format. Unfortunately, not all products on the market meet safety standards, but this is something we take seriously. Telesteps ladders are EN131 certified and include features such as wide steps and secure locking mechanisms to ensure professionals can work safely and confidently.
Q. In such a crowded marketplace how does Hultafors Group UK identify genuine end-user needs in order to develop innovative new solutions?
Our approach is quite straightforward – we listen. The R&D team regularly visits sites and trade shows to engage directly with users. New products are seeded into the market at launch to gather further user feedback from professionals in real-life scenarios. Additionally, we also invest in market research, collaborate with trade partners, and leverage our international expertise to anticipate future demands. This user-centric development means that every new product is designed to address the specific challenges faced by professionals in the field – resulting in practical, innovative, and trusted equipment.
At the same time, we’re not focused on chasing the mass market. Our priority is to deliver high-quality, specialist tools for tradespeople who value performance and durability over price. This combination helps us remain experts in our field and ensures our solutions stay at the forefront of the industry.
Q. What are your immediate plans for the UK market?
We’re focused on making sure our brands are readily available across the UK, by actively seeking new wholesale and trade partners and offering dedicated support, commercial incentives and in-store solutions. Alongside this, we’ll continue to introduce new innovations and sustainable products while investing in brand visibility through marketing, events and digital activity.
At its core, our aim is simple: to provide professionals with dependable tools and equipment, supported by partners who understand the demands of their trade.
Find out more about Hultafors Group UK here
Catch up on previous ‘Face to Face’ articles here
