It all started with the first product, foam air filters, made at Cosworth Engineering in Northampton, UK.
Four decades later - FCL is one of the market leaders in filtration.
Filtration Control Ltd (FCL) has stood at the forefront as the leading manufacturer and distributor in the United Kingdom, specialising in engine filtration technology, HVAC air filtration, batteries, and components. For over four decades, we’ve served the bus rail, automotive, commercial, and industrial sectors worldwide, earning a reputation for innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service.
Our global reach spans over 60 countries, thanks to our UK headquarters and distribution hubs in Madrid, Spain, and Athlone, Ireland, ensuring localised, responsive service while upholding the highest quality standards.
Our commitment to excellence is driven by ongoing investment in research and development. We leverage our state-of-the-art in-house testing facilities and a dedicated engineering team to develop the most advanced and innovative filtration products that meet the highest ISO standards in the market. With market-leading products like our PEPA-F HVAC air filtration range and Pipercross performance air filters, we continue to set new industry benchmarks.
At FCL, we pride ourselves on building lasting, collaborative relationships with some of the world’s most recognised brands. Our reputation for quality, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service has been the cornerstone of our success for over 45 years, making us a trusted partner in filtration across the globe.
Key Figures
Company History
The start of FCL
• 1980: Deryck Norville started FCL in the 1980s and developed the first foam air filter for buses in conjunction with Cosworth and Leyland National.
• 1981: The 1st trial began on 2 buses at United Counties in Northampton (now Stagecoach United Counties), followed by an additional 10 trials within National Bus. Due to the success of these trials, the department looked to expand the range across all bus models used within National Bus.
• 1984: With the financial support of Beaverco, Deryck Norville went on to head up a new standalone filtration company: Filtration Control Ltd, with a team of 3.
• 1987: An opportunity presented itself when Pipercross Ltd, having had little success in the bus industry but with an attractive range of competition filters, was put on the market for sale. This strategic move into a new sector was orchestrated by Deryck, and with the amalgamation of the two companies, a new premises was sought in Northampton.
Growth and partnerships
• 1990: FCL’s parent company, Beaverco, was forced to reevaluate and restructure. This presented an opportunity for the FCL team, and driven by their determination, Beaverco agreed to a management buyout. The first centrally negotiated parts contracts were awarded, and Filtration Control Ltd was successful in securing filter supply agreements with several transportation companies.
• 1993: Reaching a record turnover of £2.5 million, a powerful partnership with OE filter manufacturer Fleetguard was formed, a collaboration that continues to thrive today.
• 1996: FCL becomes a distributor of Mann Filter, new to the UK and the brand of the large German company, Mann and Hummel Group. Following the development of the Blue Diamond with MIRA, a patented, multi-layer long life and highly efficient reticulated foam air filter, the first trials in the rail sector were initiated. In partnership with Bombardier Transportation, the Blue Diamond and HVAC filter media was developed further.
Diversification and expansion
• 2004: Further expansion of the company’s product range followed when an opportunity arose to diversify into battery distribution
• 2008: Originally the 'solutions division' within Filtration Control Ltd (FCL), Filtration Control Solutions Ltd (FCSL) became a standalone company in 2008. From supplying an IBC of AdBlue to First Group in October 2006, FCSL has grown to a turnover of £9 million, supplying the full range of Lubricants to the transportation sector in the UK and Worldwide.
• 2008: The series 5 foam air filters are introduced to First Group America's 65,000 school buses. Strategic alliances with Wix filters and Greenchem (AdBlue®) further diversify the business.
Global Reach
• 2010: The company had grown to achieve a record turnover of £15 million, with 65 employees and two distribution hubs.
• 2012: FCL receives The Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
• 2014: A transformative management buyout brings FCL, FCSL, The Performance Company, and Performance on the Net (POTN) together under the FCL Organisation.
• 2015: Combined turnover reaches £30 million as FCL continues its product expansion to sectors worldwide.
• 2016: A management buyout involving a transition from 6 directors to 4.
• 2017/2018: Expansion into new offices and enhanced manufacturing and warehousing capabilities.
Innovation and a Vision for the Future
• 2020: A key partnership with Alstom for the PEPA-F HVAC filtration range. FCL also stepped up during the pandemic, providing essential PPE to hospitals and the transport sector.
• 2022 - 2024: Filtration Control Solutions (FCSL) sold the performance company and the performance on the net and became Filtration Control Ltd. Filtration Control and Pipercross have expanded their research and development capabilities to create a technical development centre that houses our topaz Alf 114 test system and 3d printing technology. Pipercross continuously enhances its brand presence in the market and extends its product range and distribution channels, including a new U.S. distribution network and direct-to-consumer sales.
• 2025: With over 100 employees and distribution hubs in the UK, Spain, and Ireland, we are trusted by leading names in the transport sector around the world. Our expanding product range and enhanced supply chain capabilities now make our innovative products available in over 60 countries. With a commitment to innovation and backed by a strong global network, FCL is continually pushing the boundaries of the industry.
