About Us
For over 60 years the privately owned family business has driven forward by investment in new equipment and by a desire for constant improvement
The Company was founded in London in 1964 by Horace Lidster and his son Philip Lidster. The company now operates from a purpose-built factory at Killamarsh in Sheffield where it currently employs over 40 people.
The four Directors are brothers, Philip, Richard, Grayme and Daniel, all of which are still involved in running the Company.
Lidsters core business is the manufacture of HSS, HSCO and Carbide round cutting tools such as drills and reamers. The majority of products are made to customers’ drawings or specification which often differ to a greater or lesser extent from industry standards.
Most companies are unable to compete with the cheaper imports and have therefore become part of larger more global companies, manufacturing abroad, this has enabled Lidsters to use their strength as a small family run business to keep things lean.
Lidsters are the largest and foremost drill manufacturer in the UK
Lidsters manufacture for a variety of market sectors including: Aerospace, Automotive, Steel Structural, Medical, Marine, Double Glazing, Woodworking, Composites, Maple Syrup Harvesting, Oil & Gas and defence. Some key accounts include Spirit Aerosystems, AgustaWestland and GKN Aerospace.
The unique combination of state of the art cutting tool manufacturing equipment allows Lidsters to offer a bespoke design and customer service, for any industry. Offering economic manufacture of both small batch specials to large volume standard batches.
All tools can be manufactured in HSS, Cobalt, Carbide and Carbide Tipped steels and supplied with surface treatments that best suit your application.
The strategic approach taken by Lidsters to achieve this is one of continuous improvement. By continually investing in staff and equipment ensures the right blend of youth and experience through recruitment and training which allows Lidsters to make best use of the latest CNC tool manufacturing machinery.
Offering a fast turnaround for enquiries usually responding within the day, Lidsters hold stock of many standard items and can offer same day despatch on these items. However, the production facility works with the customer, so that if the item is not stocked, Lidsters will manufacture to the customer requirements on both delivery and specification to ensure value for money and a top quality British manufactured item.
Acquisitions
In 2014 Lidsters purchased the aerospace and double-glazing division of Clico (Sheffield) Tooling Ltd. All the staff and manufacturing equipment were transferred to the Lidsters site in Killamarsh, Sheffield.
In 2025 Lidsters purchased YBROS the UK’s largest Brazed Carbide Tipped Precision Drill Manufacturer. All staff and manufacturing equipment were transferred from their site in Attercliffe to the Lidster site in Killamarsh, Sheffield.
