Thorne & Derrick International, a leading distributor of power systems, hazardous area equipment, and process heating solutions, is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
Established in 1985 by Victor Thorne and Brian Derrick, the business started trading as Thorne & Derrick from premises in Brislington, Bristol. From the outset, the Company built a strong reputation, representing world-renowned manufacturers such as 3M Electrical, Band-It, and Cembre, supplying their market leading products to critical infrastructure projects and industries.
In 1988 expansion came with the acquisition of Reid Brothers (Glasgow), strengthening the Company’s presence in the strapping and load securing market.
A major milestone came in 1992, when Richard Derrick began operating in the Northeast of England working from a home office in Fenham, Newcastle. Initially Richard focused on selling Electrical Trace Heating solutions from Raychem, but after a move to Gear House in Gateshead, the Northern business expanded into the LV and HV power market. After 23 years, the office relocated to the current Northern headquarters at Lumley Court, Chester-le-Street which is the engine room of the company’s sales and marketing activity today.
In 2015, Reid Brothers was purchased from Thorne & Derrick International, in a management team buyout and is still thriving today.
Meanwhile, after 31 years in Brislington, Bristol, significant business growth forced a relocation in 2016 to Whitchurch, Bristol, where it continues to operate as the Company’s central warehouse and administration centre, coupled with a very strong Export and UK sales department.
Over four decades, Thorne & Derrick International has grown from its initial team of 6 to over 30 staff and from a first order of just £500 in August 1985, the Company is now on track to deliver over £20 million turnover in the very near future.
From the 1980s onwards, the Company has played an important role in serving the Oil & Gas, Process and Petrochemical sectors, and that has been central to its growth. As these markets continues to change, the business has expanded its product range in support, ensuring continued relevance and service excellence.
“As Managing Director, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built over the years. Our strong focus on investing in young talent through apprenticeships has not only helped shape skilled professionals, but has also fostered a culture of loyalty and dedication,” said Richard Derrick. “It’s rewarding to see so many of our people grow with the Company. Their expertise and commitment are at the heart of our continued success.”
The team of technical sales engineers, sourcing specialists and customer service advisors, deliver a single-source logistics solutions across the UK and internationally, supporting projects in more than 120 countries across five continents, offering rapid delivery and tailored supply strategies.
With global electricity demand predicted to more than double by 2050, Thorne and Derrick International are strengthening and extending their world class supply chain to support grid-scale projects to drive our sustainable energy future towards net zero through renewable energy, digitalisation and decarbonisation of industry.
Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading distributors of High Voltage Power Cable Accessories and Hazardous Area Electrical supporting critical infrastructure across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, petrochemical and process sectors. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial markets.
Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets.
As the global energy industry pivots toward sustainable solutions, trace heating continues to play a vital role in supporting the infrastructure required for cleaner fuels like biodiesel.
The focus on the project was to ensure the reliable and energy-efficient transport of biodiesel through long pipelines and load arm systems—where precise temperature maintenance is critical.
Project: Bio Logistics Phase Il Coprocessing
Long Line Transportation Load Arm — Bio Diesel
Location: Castellon, Spain
Eltherm delivered a turnkey EPC solution, encompassing:
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
24 km of Eltherm ELSR and ELKM heat tracing cable
Custom-designed distribution panels
Monitoring and control systems for operational efficiency and safety
These systems ensure that biodiesel remains at optimal flow temperature, even over long distances and through varying ambient conditions—reducing downtime and preventing blockages
Year of Supply: 2021
Biodiesel has a higher pour point than conventional fuels, meaning it can solidify at lower temperatures if not properly managed. Heat tracing is essential in:
Maintaining flow temperature across extensive pipe runs
Preventing product gelling in cold environments
Ensuring system start up reliability
Enhancing energy efficiency in transportation processes
Interested in heat tracing solutions for your biofuel or oil & gas project?
Get in touch with our technical team to discuss how we can support your energy transition goals with proven, field-tested heat trace systems from Eltherm.
With more than four decades of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick are recognised leaders in delivering specialist trace heating solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. From hazardous zones and extreme climates to critical process control systems, we design bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs of your operation.
Our services include comprehensive in-house heat loss analysis, system design, and technical specification, backed by a commitment to engineering excellence. Using only premium, market-leading heat trace cables and components, we provide cost-effective systems that enhance operational efficiency, minimise downtime, and support long-term project reliability—from initial concept through to full commissioning.
Competitive Pricing | UK Heat Trace Stockist & Supplier | Industrial & Hazardous Areas
Thorne & Derrick are an official UK distributor of Eltherm heating jackets, providing advanced, custom-engineered surface heating solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. These flexible, high-performance heating jackets are designed for precise thermal management of complex components including pipework systems, pumps, valves, containers, and IBCs.
Ideal for freeze protection, temperature maintenance, and process optimisation, Eltherm heating jackets deliver uniform surface heating while offering significant advantages over traditional trace heating—such as faster installation, integrated insulation, and easy removal for maintenance. Their tailor-made design ensures a perfect fit for each application, with options available for hazardous areas, cleanroom use, and environments requiring ATEX-compliant heating solutions.
Every Eltherm heating jacket is a precision-engineered product – developed by application engineers and manufactured in Eltherm’s own sewing workshop using high-quality technical fabrics and insulation.
Key Features:
Custom-Made to Fit Any Geometry
Integrated Thermal Insulation – Reduces Heat Loss & Installation Time
Flexible Multi-Level Heating – Ideal for Complex Surfaces
Quick Assembly/Disassembly – Minimises Maintenance Downtime
Durable & Long-Lasting Materials
Cleanroom Compatible – Designed for Critical Environments
Eltherm heating jackets are used in a wide variety of industrial and high-tech sectors where traditional heating methods are not viable or efficient.
Common Use Cases:
Pipework Systems & Valves
Drums, Barrels & IBCs
Pumps, Fans & Dosing Units
Laboratory & Testing Systems
Hose Assemblies & Connector Pieces
Semiconductor & Pharmaceutical Cleanrooms
Nuclear & R&D Facilities
For hazardous area heating, Eltherm offers heating jackets with robust structural designs and optional sheet metal outer jackets to withstand heavy mechanical loads. These jackets can be ATEX-compliant depending on:
Operating Voltage
T-Class Requirements
Minimum Operating Temperature
Heated Component Dimensions
Designed for Safety in:
Oil & Gas Processing
Chemical Manufacturing
Explosive Atmospheres (Zone 1/Zone 2)
With custom segmentation and adjustable closures, Eltherm heating jackets can accommodate size tolerances and irregular geometries while maintaining a tight, secure fit. Their construction also makes them suitable for use in cleanroom environments, where particle emission must be minimised.
Advantages:
Specialised Outer Jackets for Mechanical Stress
Hinges & Quick-Release Fasteners for Adjustability
Contamination-Free Operation in Cleanrooms
Each jacket includes:
Inner Fabric Layer
Sewn-In Heating Cable
Thermal Insulation Core
Outer Protective Fabric (or Metal Jacket for demanding applications)
This multi-layered design ensures durability, thermal efficiency, and mechanical protection.
As leading UK specialists in electrical heating solutions, Thorne & Derrick offer technical support, product selection guidance, and supply expertise for your custom heating requirements.
✅ Eltherm Heating Jackets Official Distributor
✅ ATEX & IECEx Compliant Solutions
✅ Full Technical Support & Application Engineering
✅ Fast UK & International Delivery
FAQ
What is the advantage of a heating jacket as opposed to a heating mat?
Heating jackets are always used when surfaces that extend over more than two levels need to be heated. As they are individually developed and manufactured for the individual surface to be heated, they fit perfectly and ensure an even heating.
Are Eltherm heating jackets easy to install?
As heating jackets have integrated thermal insulation and are custom-made, they are easy to fit and remove. This simplifies assembly, shortens installation times and reduces maintenance costs. As particularly high-quality materials are used, the heating jackets also have a long service life.
Efficient, Reliable Heating for Pressurised Gas Supply
Gas, one of the three fundamental states of matter, is highly compressible and typically stored in robust cylindrical or spherical containers. However, as gas is extracted—especially at high rates or low fill levels—bottle pressure can drop and condensation can form and freeze on the cylinder wall. This compromises performance, safety, and accuracy in gas supply systems.
Eltherm Gas Bottle Heaters, available from Thorne & Derrick, provide a reliable solution to these challenges by stabilising pressure, preventing freeze-up, and enabling complete cylinder discharge—essential when handling costly noble gases used in applications such as semiconductor manufacturing.
Stable Pressure During Withdrawal
As gas is withdrawn and vaporises, it cools the container. This can lead to freezing of the bottle and fittings, impairing gas flow. Eltherm heaters ensure consistent heat input to stabilise pressure and optimise flow rates.
Maximum Cylinder Utilisation
For expensive gases like argon or helium, it’s vital to empty cylinders fully. Without heating, residual gas may remain due to temperature-related inaccuracies in weight measurements. Eltherm heating mats maintain consistent temperatures, ensuring accurate readings from weighing systems and full use of gas contents.
Prevention of Condensation and Ice Formation
During continuous withdrawal, the bottle surface cools down, attracting and freezing ambient moisture. This is eliminated by applying controlled heat with an Eltherm heater.
Temperature Range: Up to 300 °C
Installation: Hinged design with quick-release fasteners for easy application
Portability: Integrated handles for convenient handling
Materials: High-quality insulation for energy-efficient operation
Controls: Built-in temperature controller and limiter for precision and safety
Area of Use: Available for both safe (non-Ex) and hazardous (Ex) areas
Heating Element: In non-Ex zones, silicone heating mats offer a flexible and easy-to-install option
✅ Quick and easy to install and remove
✅ High-quality insulation for energy efficiency
✅ Suitable for use in hazardous (Ex) areas
✅ Ensures accurate gas usage and reduces wastage
✅ Prevents freeze-up and operational downtime
Thorne & Derrick are proud to be a trusted distributor of Eltherm trace heating solutions, including gas bottle heaters. With extensive industry experience and technical support, we help ensure safe and energy-efficient gas supply in critical applications across industrial sectors.
Contact Thorne & Derrick for expert advice, specifications, and product availability.
Electrical heat tracing manufactured by Eltherm is employed to maintain exact temperatures when transporting temperature-sensitive chemicals in tank containers, SWAP containers, Road Tankers und IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers). Temperature maintenance is required for substances such as MDI, highly viscous industry materials, oils, resins, fat, coatings, bitumen, adhesives, foods and casting compounds
With its electric tank container heating systems, Eltherm has created an alternative to heating with water vapour, thermal oil and glycol. In comparison to water vapour or glycol heating systems, electrical heat tracing has a significantly lower weight. This offers the advantage of a greater loading capacity and therefore increased cost-effectiveness of the tank container.
As an engineering company – with their own production facilities – Eltherm provides comprehensive advice to freight forwarders and container manufacturers right from the planning phase. This cooperation ensures that the heat tracing system meets all transport and contract requirements. After all, it’s that simple and straightforward: Anyone who wants to claim the highest quality must be able to guarantee that high-quality products reach their destination without damage and remain in good condition throughout.
Benefits of the Eltherm Heat Tracing System:
Thanks to our specially developed installation technology and control system, which has been market-tested and continuously improved over decades, we can guarantee high temperature accuracy and consistent heating of the entire tank surface. To provide greater flexibility, several heating and control circuits can also be created for different filling levels.
Due to the very large contact surface, a generously dimensioned power reserve can be provided. This allows the loaded product to be heated up (within its physical limits). As an alternative to supplying power from the mains, the heating system can also be powered by generators. In addition, the product temperature can be fully documented over the duration of transport.
Along with the actual container, it is often necessary to heat attached components such as dome boxes, outlet valves and riser pipes. If required, customer-specific insulating sleeves for valves and ball valves can also be manufactured.
A special assembly technique for EHT on tank containers developed by Eltherm engineers plus reliable monitoring and control ensures uniform temperature accuracy across the entire tank surface. It is resistant to vibration impact and thus designed for reliable operation. Apart from the tank container itself, the EHT system takes account of outlets, riser pies, including insulating sleeves for valves and ball taps.
Technical Eltherm Advantages:
Our tank containers are used in potentially explosive atmospheres. Can your offer us a suitable heating system?
As the only supplier of heating solutions for tank containers with valid certificates and approvals in ATEX and IECEx, we can also offer you a safe solution to minimise your liability risks as an operator.
Is it sensible to heat a bottom outlet valve?
If a medium is to be transported that solidifies at ambient temperature, the outlet valve should be heated to ensure that the tank can be emptied without delay. We offer appropriate heating solutions for many standard valves on the market. Just get in contact with us!
We use riser pipes for loading and unloading. Why should these be heated?
To ensure that a product does not form a solid plug in the riser pipe during transport and storage in the tank container and thus make unloading more difficult, we offer appropriate riser pipe heating.
What types of energy supply are available?
In general, any electrical power supply can be used, from car batteries to overhead lines. Heating solutions with a power supply in the 400V 3-phase range have proven to be common and technically meaningful.
Published 13 Mar 2020
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Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
