--- title: "About bigHead" id: "4" type: "page" slug: "about-bighead" published_at: "2015-10-22T15:23:58+00:00" modified_at: "2024-07-23T12:07:30+00:00" url: "https://bighead.co.uk/about-bighead/" markdown_url: "https://bighead.co.uk/about-bighead.md" --- [javascript:void(0)](javascript:void(0)) [javascript:void(0)](javascript:void(0)) ![bigHead white logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/themes/bighead_wordpress_theme/images/bighead-logo.svg)- [Home](https://bighead.co.uk/) - [Products](https://bighead.co.uk/bighead-products/) - [Bespoke](https://bighead.co.uk/bespoke/) - [Guidance](https://bighead.co.uk/guidance/) - [tecHub](https://bighead.co.uk/the-techub/) - [About bigHead](https://bighead.co.uk/about-bighead/) - [Contact](https://bighead.co.uk/get-in-touch/) [Home](https://bighead.co.uk/) › About bigHead # About bigHead® We’ve been making bigHead fasteners for over 50 years. Today, we’re based in Verwood, Dorset. Every bigHead® we sell is made right here, in our own factory. Our designers, engineers and back-office teams work alongside each other. It’s the best way to guarantee product quality, and to keep everyone focused on our customers. ## Our history How can you fasten composite materials in a way that is strong and efficient? In 1966, there wasn’t a good answer to that question. So we invented the bigHead. It soon became a design classic. Today, bigHeads come in numerous shapes, sizes and fixings. Here's our story. ![Ken Stanley](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-1.jpg)Our founder, Ken Stanley, starts making bigHeads in Bournemouth, England. ![Dalek](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-2.jpg)The BBC team behind classic TV serial Dr Who use our fasteners to make his iconic nemesis, the Daleks – the first proof that no challenge is too odd for bigHead. ![Sunseeker](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-3.jpg)Sunseeker finds that bigHeads are the perfect fasteners for its luxury motor yachts, as favoured by millionaires and Bond villains. ![RNLI](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-4.jpg)The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, responsible for sea rescue in British waters, starts using bigHeads to fit-out its lifeboats. ![Shirley Bassey](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-5.jpg)The artists who make lifelike waxworks for display at Madame Tussauds, London, use bigHeads to secure the arms of Welsh diva, Shirley Bassey. ![Train](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-6.jpg)Transport and aerospace company Bombardier sets out to become the global leader in trains, and turns to bigHead to accelerate the way they fit-out carriage interiors. ![Mirabella V](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-7.jpg)The designers behind Mirabella V, the biggest single-masted yacht ever built, use tens of thousands of bigHeads to secure the insulation in her hull. ![Rolls Royce badge](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-8.jpg)bigHead becomes a BMW-approved supplier to Rolls Royce Motors. ![Aston Martin logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-9.jpg)Aston Martin decide bigHeads are the perfect way to bond the carbon fibre spoiler to an Aston Martin DBS. ![Giant gas tanks](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-10.jpg)India builds several giant tanks to store Liquefied Natural Gas, making extensive use of bigHeads. ![Lamborghini Aventador](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-11.jpg)Lamborghini builds the stunning Aventador with a carbon fibre monocoque, using adhesive bonded bigHeads to mount other components. ![Dokaae Clock](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-12.jpg)At 607 metres, the Dokaae Clock in Mecca is the world’s second highest tower. Composite materials are used throughout, as of course are bigHeads. ![Ferrari badge](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-13.jpg)Ferrari releases its most ambitious supercar to date, LaFerrari. The fenders are held on with bigHeads. ![Porsche](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-14.jpg)Porsche heralds its Spyder 918 as the future of the supercar. bigHeads perform multiple tasks in this revolutionary vehicle. ![Surfboard](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-15.jpg)Surfboard company Gulfstream use bigHeads to fasten foot straps to their big-wave boards. When you’re riding a mountain of water, a firm grip can save your life. ![El Haramein train station](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-16.jpg)Saudi Arabia builds the El Haramein train station. Embedded in its ceiling are thousands of bigHeads. ![Alfa Romeo badge](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-17.jpg)Alfa Romeo manufactures a carbon fibre monocoque weighing just 63Kg. bigHeads are used extensively. ![VW XL1](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-18.jpg)After much testing, VW decides to use bigHead fasteners with the monocoque of its new XL1, the world's most fuel-efficient car. ![Wind turbines](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-19.jpg)After two years of testing and development, Siemens relies on bigHeads in its giant wind turbines. ![Bossard logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-20.jpg)bigHead becomes part of the Bossard Group. ![Tesla](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-history-21.jpg)Tesla uses bigHeads in its electric cars. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bighead-history-22.jpg)bigHead moves to a state of the art UK factory. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bighead-history-23.jpg)bigHead secures funding from Innovate UK to develop Lean Bonding®. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bighead-history-24.jpg)bigHead holds up the GRC cladding in new underground stations in London. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bighead-history-25.jpg)bigHead is designed into an EV battery module. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-2021-03-30-at-22.03.35-e1617138510480.png)Achieving carbon neutral status (for 2019, 2020 and onwards) through a combination of renewable energy, efficient recycling and offsetting via a bio-digester project. PreviousNext ## Culture There’s a perfect answer to every design and engineering challenge. We’re here to help you find it. We value collaboration, both with one another and our clients, too. When you team up with bigHead, you can achieve something extraordinary. We are BRAVE because no challenge is too big and it takes courage to discover something new. We are OPEN with each other, and with our partners,because true collaboration demands trust. We are INGENIOUS because we know that great thinking equals great performance. We are DILIGENT because we know our customers rely on us. We are OPTIMISTIC because we are working together to create a better future. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-1.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-2.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-3.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-4.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-5.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-6.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-7.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-8.jpg) ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carousel-culture-mobile-9.jpg) ## Culture There’s a perfect answer to every design and engineering challenge. We’re here to help you find it. We value collaboration, both with one another and our clients, too. When you team up with bigHead, you can achieve something extraordinary. - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-1.jpg) - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-2.jpg) - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-3.jpg) - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-4.jpg) - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-5.jpg) - We are open with each other, and with our partners, because true collaboration demands trust. - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-6.jpg) - We are diligent because we know our customers rely on us. - We are brave because no challenge is too big and it takes courage to discover something new. - We are ingenious because we know that great thinking equals great performance. - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-7.jpg) - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-8.jpg) - ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/bighead-culture-9.jpg) - We are optimistic because we are working together to create a better future. ## Quality What’s the difference between an original and a copy? In a word, quality. It’s about attention to detail, experience and – yes – passion. The original bigHead was the first fastener of its kind. And it’s still the best. That’s because we’ve never stopped investing in better ways to make the products our customers need. Scroll across to read more. ![bigHead original stamp](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/original-stamp.png) ## ISO 9001 We take quality seriously. So every bigHead comes from our own factory, where we control the manufacturing process. That’s the only way to meet our exacting standards. Our Quality Management System ensures we hit the mark – every time. It’s been ISO 9001:2015 certified. ![Image](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bighead-iso-9001-logo-1.jpg) ## Technology Our unique bigHead weld process ensures that every fastener we make is strong and reliable. We’re obsessive about monitoring every weld. We test every production lot before it leaves our factory. This graph tells you how strong bigHeads are. On average, for every million bigHeads we ship just one will have a defective weld. That’s market-leading performance, as independent reports prove. ![bigHead fasteners performance vs competitors -graph](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Graph.jpg) ## Lean manufacturing Good design is often about removing what you don’t need. We apply the same principle to the way we make bigHeads. We collect mountains of data about our manufacturing process. Then we use it to cut waste and inefficiency. This kind of lean manufacturing is an important part of our commitment to quality. ## Regulatory compliance We comply with the standard regulations that affect our business. ROHS The zinc plating and tri-passivation we use on our carbon steel fasteners are ROHS and ELVD compliant. REACH We can place all our fasteners on the International Material Data System (IMDS) and are compliant with REACH regulations. Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR) We are happy to provide these. Just ask. Environmental Policy We are committed to keeping the environmental impact of our business as low as possible. We are always looking for new ways to reduce the resources we consume and to recycle more. PreviousNext ## Our Global Network We’re part of Bossard Group, a global network of companies headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. The network helps us share expertise with market leading peers in other fastening technologies across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Bossard employs over 2,000 people in more than 60 locations. [www.bossard.com](https://www.bossard.com/) ![Bossard logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/themes/bighead_wordpress_theme/images/bossard.png) ## Customers We help designers and engineers to fasten materials across a wide range of industries. From super-cars and luxury yachts to infrastructure projects and public utilities. Wherever you see a complex fastening challenge, you’ll find a bigHead hard at work. **bigHead works with manufacturers in:** Automotive Marine Rail, truck, bus and speciality vehicles Construction Energy General industry Aerospace and defence Special projects - ![Alfa Romeo logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/logo-alfa-romeo.png) - ![Alstom logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/logo-alstom.png) - ![Aston Martin logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/logo-aston-martin.png) - ![Audi logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/logo-audi.png) - ![Azimut logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/logo-azimut.png) - ![BAC logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_49.png) - ![Bentley logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_59.png) - ![BMW logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_52.png) - ![Bombardier logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_55.png) - ![Caterpillar logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_57.png) - ![Fairline logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_72.png) - ![Ferrari logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_66.png) - ![Ford logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_75.png) - ![Gamesa logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_69.png) - ![Gulf Craft logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_78.png) - ![Jaguar Land Rover logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_94.png) - ![JCB logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_85.png) - ![Laing O'Rourke logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_91.png) - ![Lamborghini logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_93.png) - ![Lotus logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_88.png) - ![Manitou logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_107.png) - ![McLaren logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_110.png) - ![Mercedes-Benz logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_101.png) - ![Noble logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_104.png) - ![Porsche logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_113.png) - ![RNLI logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_131.png) - ![Rolls-Royce logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_123.png) - ![Scania logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_125.png) - ![Siemens logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_121.png) - ![Sunseeker logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_128.png) - ![Tesla logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_138.png) - ![TVR logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_148.png) - ![Vestas logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_143.png) - ![VW logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_140.png) - ![Zeno Cars logo](https://bighead.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/about_145.png) ## [Blog](/discover-bighead/blog) [How fastening expertise became a lean production system Read more](https://bighead.co.uk/discover-bighead/blog/how-fastening-expertise-became-a-lean-production-system/) ## [News](/discover-bighead/updates-and-news) [bigHead launches major update to digital content Read more](https://bighead.co.uk/discover-bighead/news/2026/06/bighead-launches-major-update-to-digital-content/) - [Background](https://bighead.co.uk/about-bighead/) - [Blog](/discover-bighead/blog/) - [News](https://bighead.co.uk/about-bighead/updates-and-news/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://bighead.co.uk/about-bighead/terms-and-conditions/) This site uses cookies to improve your experience. 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