We are the UK’s leading manufacturer of heating elements

Backer Heatrod was formed in the early 1960’s as a specialist producer of metal sheathed, mineral insulated heating elements. Initially concentrating on water heaters Heatrod soon became a specialist in a wide variety of additional element applications such as air, oil, defrost, vending, catering and many other applications which have been supplied since the late 1960’s.

In late 2006 Heatrod was acquired by the NIBE Element Group ( The world’s largest element manufacturer) and now represents NIBE in the U.K. as one of the 65 Group companies that are based all over the world, from China and Mexico to Scandinavia, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Czech republic.

In 2007 the Backer Heatrod business was transferred from its historical home in Norfolk to the current site in Manchester, which was the home of Sheathed Heating Elements Limited. During 2009 the business underwent an extensive restructuring process and a major capital investment plan.

The Manchester based business now operates with a completely new management structure, which benefits from over 120 years experience of element and water heating manufacture, design and product development. Much of this experience being gained from the historical involvement with the Norfolk based business.

Our extensive restructure and investment programme is designed to ensure Heatrod Elements is the choice for heating and measuring requirements within the U.K. We are the only U.K. based manufacturer of heating elements offering a complete package focused totally on minimum lead time, maximum flexibility and complete design service, from individual raw material components to finished solution.

During more recent years Backer Heatrod has made further acquisitions to consolidate our position in the Industrial Electric Heating market.

In December 2016 the acquisition of E. Braude (London) Ltd was completed who are a global specialist supplier of process heating equipment to the corrosive liquids sectors. The Braude brand is synonymous with extreme environments often found in metal finishing processes and a wide range of applications which utilise corrosive media.

In January 2017 Heatrod were also proud to announce the acquisition of Ormandy Electric, formerly Heatrae Industrial, whose expertise in large, heavy duty electric heating products and projects has added further capability and experience to the Heatrod team in Manchester.

With the extensive additions in plant and machinery, skilled staff and market leading brands Heatrod can now offer a formidable range of solutions to the UK and export markets. Also as part of the Swedish Backer group of companies Heatrod has access to an even wider range of base heating technologies and local support throughout the world.

Backer Heatrod and Backer are proud to be part of the Swedish NIBE group of companies.