Nautilus Steel: The Evolution from Benbow Steels to a Leading UK Colour-Coated Steel Stockholder
In the competitive landscape of wholesale building materials, few names carry as much weight as Nautilus Steel. Formerly known as Benbow Steels, this West Bromwich-based business has established itself as one of the UK’s most trusted independent suppliers of colour-coated steel. Since its founding in 2006, the company has been synonymous with precision, quality, and rapid delivery — values that have only strengthened through its evolution and rebranding.
This article explores the journey of Nautilus Steel, its product and service portfolio, its commitment to customer satisfaction, and why it continues to lead the UK market.
From Benbow Steels to Nautilus Steel: A Story of Growth and Transformation
The Origins – Benbow Steels (2006–2025)
Founded in 2006 by Simon Benbow, Benbow Steels began as a specialist stockholder of colour-coated steel, serving construction, manufacturing, and HVAC industries. The company quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional choice of products, expert advice, and ability to deliver on tight deadlines.
By strategically sourcing materials from world-class suppliers like ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel, Benbow Steels developed one of the broadest product ranges in the UK, including pre-cut sheets, coil stock, and laminated finishes.
Over the years, the business expanded its facilities, invested in bespoke blanking lines, and gained ISO 9001 certification — a testament to its focus on quality management.
The Rebrand – Nautilus Steel (2025 – Present)
In 2025, following a period of corporate restructuring, Benbow Steels was acquired and rebranded as Nautilus Steel. The rebrand brought fresh investment, including a new ERP system, enhanced machinery, and an even greater focus on sustainability.
The change of name marked more than just a new chapter — it reinforced the company’s position as a forward-thinking leader in steel stockholding, committed to both traditional customer service values and modern operational efficiency.
A Market-Leading Choice of Colour-Coated Steel
Sourcing from World-Class Suppliers
One of Nautilus Steel’s greatest strengths lies in its independence. As a non-tied supplier, the company can source from multiple leading steel producers, ensuring customers benefit from the widest possible selection of colour-coated steels.
Key suppliers include:
-
ArcelorMittal – known for Granite® HDX, Aluzinc, and high-durability colour coatings.
-
Tata Steel – offering Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® ranges.
This diversity allows Nautilus Steel to meet both standard and specialist requirements, whether a customer needs a single sheet or a full bulk order.
Unrivalled Stock Availability
With a vast range of pre-cut sheets ready for immediate dispatch, Nautilus Steel ensures no order is too small or too complex. Their stock covers a variety of finishes including:
-
Leathergrain – textured for visual appeal and durability.
-
Raintite – weather-resistant coating for demanding environments.
-
Aluzinc – aluminium-zinc alloy coating for corrosion protection.
Industry-Leading Processing Capabilities
State-of-the-Art Blanking Lines
Nautilus Steel has invested in two bespoke, state-of-the-art blanking lines tailored for colour-coated, laminated steel, and Aluzinc. These lines feature:
-
Five slitting blades.
-
Two sets of levelling rolls.
-
Strippable protective film application.
-
Capability to decoil coils up to 1500mm wide.
Precision Tolerances
The company produces at half the European tolerance on sheet length, holding ±1mm over 1m lengths — an unmatched level of precision in the industry. Thicknesses range from 0.4mm to 1.5mm, with sheet lengths from 350mm to 6000mm.
Exceptional Delivery Service
Nautilus Steel prides itself on a fast, reliable, and flexible delivery service.
-
24-hour delivery is standard across the UK.
-
Same-day deliveries and collections are available locally.
-
Timed deliveries can be booked upon request.
By partnering with trusted logistics providers and maintaining strong in-house scheduling, the company ensures customers receive their materials exactly when needed.
Commitment to Customer Service
Expert Team Support
Nautilus Steel’s staff combine deep product knowledge, industry experience, and genuine enthusiasm for helping customers. Whether advising on the correct gauge, finish, or coating for a project, the team works to ensure each client gets the right product first time.
Flexibility and Problem-Solving
From small bespoke orders to large-scale commercial requirements, the company offers a flexible approach. This adaptability is particularly valued by manufacturers and contractors working to tight schedules or specific technical specifications.
Sustainability and Innovation
Nautilus Steel is also a leader in sustainable steel sourcing. Under its former Benbow Steels identity, the company was the first UK supplier to offer XCarb® green steel certificates from ArcelorMittal — enabling customers to offset Scope 3 emissions with independently verified sustainability credentials.
Today, Nautilus Steel continues to align with suppliers committed to reducing carbon footprints and promoting circular economy principles.
Company Facts at a Glance
-
Website: https://nautilus-steel.co.uk/
-
Phone: 0121 520 2001
-
Headquarters: Units 4–6, Ashmore Industrial Park, Great Bridge Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 0BW, United Kingdom
-
Founded: 2006 (as Benbow Steels)
-
Industry: Wholesale Building Materials
-
Specialties:
-
Steel stockholding
-
Colour-coated steel
-
Arcelor and Tata Steel products
-
Leathergrain, Raintite, Aluzinc
-
Precision cutting and slitting services
-
Why Nautilus Steel Continues to Lead the Market
The “Choice, Service, Delivery” Model
Nautilus Steel’s competitive edge comes from three pillars:
-
Choice – the widest selection of colour-coated steels from top suppliers.
-
Service – an expert team committed to customer satisfaction.
-
Delivery – fast, reliable logistics with options to suit every schedule.
Reputation for Reliability
In an industry where delays and inconsistencies can be costly, Nautilus Steel’s ability to deliver on time, every time is a major advantage. The company’s processes are designed to minimise waste, reduce lead times, and meet exacting tolerances.
Conclusion
The transformation from Benbow Steels to Nautilus Steel is a story of resilience, investment, and forward-thinking leadership. By combining its heritage of quality and service with modern technology, expanded product ranges, and a commitment to sustainability, Nautilus Steel stands as one of the UK’s premier suppliers of colour-coated steel.
From its West Bromwich headquarters, the company serves customers nationwide with unmatched speed, precision, and choice — making it the go-to partner for contractors, manufacturers, and distributors across multiple industries.
