25 Years of NSP Coatings: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders

In 1998, NSP Coatings began life on a tiny farm in Kent, a three-man team spraying bike frames for iconic names like Raleigh and Saracen. The work was done in a small, makeshift unit at the back of Brands Hatch, with equipment that was basic at best, like a tar pot burner under a steel plate, heating an oven that had been cobbled together by a mate, and a spray booth built from wood. Shot blasting was outsourced to Crane & Rowbury in Dartford, and every job was a chance to learn and refine the process.

From the year 2000

By 2000, after buying a second-hand powder coat unit, NSP Coatings truly became an independent operation. In March of that year, the move to a small, 30-foot unit marked the start of something special. It wasn’t glamorous, dodgy extension leads and all, but it was ours. The business quickly picked up work, including for the speaker stands of a local landlord, Peter Partington, who eventually offered better facilities and an oven of his own when he stopped powder coating himself.

From 2003

By 2003, still based on the same site in Longfield, NSP Coatings had outgrown the smaller unit and took over a much larger space. It was a time of long hours, seven days a week, 5am starts, 10pm finishes, and a revolving door of staff, some good, some not-so-good. There were plenty of challenges: from stolen trucks and workplace fights to dealing with dodgy scaffolders, convicted criminals, and customers who didn’t always pay. But the work kept coming, and the commitment to quality never wavered.

2012 a New Home

By 2012, NSP Coatings found its long-term home on Norfolk Road, taking over the lease from LV Transport. The new site required serious graft: working nights, seven days a week, and even through Christmas (with only the 25th and 26th off). For over a year, Canal Basin was still used for shot blasting while Norfolk Road took shape. A brand-new 4m oven was installed, later extended to 6m, along with a state-of-the-art shot blast room with a shot recovery system, setting NSP Coatings apart from smaller operations.

Management by Nick Steel

In the early years at Norfolk Road, the challenges of managing a difficult workforce didn’t stop. But in 2016, Nick Steel joined the team, bringing a focus on accountability that helped weed out the worst of the bad attitudes. It wasn’t easy, some had been around for 15 years but Nick’s approach paid off. The business grew from £60k a month to a steady £100k, and for the first time, Neil was told he could actually go home early if he fancied it!

During this period, Banti, a tenant with a haulage firm, shared the yard, helping cover rent while NSP grew. But after a few heated moments and some damage to work, Banti eventually had to leave, giving NSP Coatings full use of the yard and offices for the first time.

The Business Now

From 2016 to 2025, NSP Coatings went from strength to strength. They brought on an office manager, invested in larger trucks (including an 18T lorry), hired drivers and a sales manager, and built two additional buildings to expand the site even further.

Nick Steel was promoted from Operations Manager to Director, Dan Phee went from Foreman to Production Manager, and the team kept investing—new shot blast facilities, better powder coat guns, new extract booths, ERP and CRM systems, and even bringing on board business coach Andy Sleet, marketing expert Miles Phillips, and Mark Birchall as FD.

25 Years and Counting

Over the last 25 years, it’s estimated that around 200 people have worked for NSP Coatings at one time or another. From the early days of homemade equipment to becoming a trusted, professional operation with the largest facility in the South East, the journey has been about doing things properly, no shortcuts, no skipping steps.

And what’s next? With decades of experience, cutting-edge facilities, and a team who knows how to deliver, NSP Coatings is ready for whatever the next 25 years bring.

Want to see how far we’ve come?

Come down and take a look at our state-of-the-art shot blast room, our massive ovens, and the dedicated team who’s kept it all going—rain, shine, or powder cloud!

At NSP Coatings, we do things the right way:

✅ Largest facility in the South East

✅ In-house QA team

✅ Own transport fleet

✅ Full range of RAL colours and finishes

✅ 25+ years of experience

📞 Ready to get started? Contact NSP Coatings today for a quote and let’s get your project looking its best.

Download our Brochure HERE.