About us

As one of the UK's leading designers and manufacturers of controls for domestic heating systems and advanced metering equipment, Horstmann offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art solutions.

Established in 1854 as a manufacturer of timepieces, Horstmann subsequently diversified into many areas of precision engineering, even including the construction of automobiles in their pioneering days.

Horstmann first became involved in energy control products in the 1950's and during the next two decades developed an extensive range of central heating programmers and time switches. When control technologies migrated from Electro-mechanical to electronic designs, Horstmann was at the forefront and has subsequently established an excellent reputation for the high standard, quality and reliability of its products.

Domestic products available from Horstmann range from simple but effective mechanical programmers, cylinder and room thermostats and valves through to sophisticated electronic programmers that meet the very latest building regulations criteria.

Horstmann is also a ‘household' name in the Utilities markets where the Company provides products for load switching, measurement and control of electricity, gas and water tariffs as well as complete turn key metering systems.

The manufacturing and product development operations have been the subject of significant investment in design and development facilities, improved production lines and world class operational processes, designed to allow the company to expand its capabilities.

Horstmann has achieved the quality standard ISO 9001 and is approved by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets for the certification of electricity meters.

Sales and Marketing

Horstmann employs a regionally based sales force to provide full geographical cover of the UK and Ireland. The field sales force is managed from the headquarters in Bristol, which also provides all the back office support necessary for a successful sales team.

National Sales Managers based at Bristol provide additional customer focused support, for the Regional and Area Sales Managers, particularly in terms of key account management. International sales and business development activities are also managed from the Bristol headquarters.

A high level of investment in sales development, including the unique Horstmann Roadshow, supports Horstmann's sales and marketing activities. Horstmann customers include the leading names in Plumbing Merchants, Electrical Distributors and Electricity supply.

Design and Manufacturing

The great majority of Horstmann products are designed and developed by our in-house design team. Aware of the need for sophisticated instruments to provide total control of central heating and hot water, the designers are also very conscious of the need to maintain ease and simplicity of use, combined with aesthetic good looks. It's a challenge but one they rise to and succeed in, time and again.

Horstmann conducts its manufacturing operations from a purpose built factory in south east Bristol, utilising a production area of approximately 480 square metres.

By maintaining its accreditation's of Quality Standard ISO 9001, BEAB and OFGEM, Horstmann has established and maintained an excellent reputation for the high standard, quality and reliability of its products. Horstmann continues to invest significantly in improving its production lines and world class operational processes so that it is able to offer its customers on time delivery and at the right cost.

The facility supports PCB population, SMT and conventional, through to final product build and test. A first class mould shop also helps Horstmann to maintain total customer flexibility whilst keeping stocks and costs under control.

The manufacturing process is very well supported by a Professional Materials team who, focusing on a selective number of supply partners, continually work together to review and improve the total cost of acquisition of component purchases.

Success of these partnerships is shown through agreed, regular deliveries using Kanban pull processes, on time deliveries and competitive pricing.