UK-based medical device manufacturer
Design
Our in-house R&D team designs reliable, robust, and servicable devices constantly refining trusted designs and developing new ones for tomorrow's markets.
About Oxylitre
Reliable, Servicable, high-quality medical devices
Oxylitre design, manufacture, supply and maintain high-performance Medical Oxygen, Suction and Entonox® therapy products & accessories, backed by the support equipment healthcare teams depend on.
An independent, privately owned company with more than 65 years' experience, Oxylitre is one of the United Kingdom's most established designers, manufacturers and suppliers in its field. That longevity has delivered unparalleled consistency to the market, consistency of product, and consistency of service which has built a global reputation for dependable quality devices backed by technical support, product expertise and spares availability.
Our success has been built on a unique depth of experience that has made us a market leader, setting the benchmark for product development and technical standardisation across healthcare providers. Our R&D team continue to refine established designs and develop new products, so future markets have the technology they need.
- British designed & manufactured in-house
- Trusted across 30+ countries and five continents
- ISO 13485:2016 & ISO 9001:2015 certified
1961
Trusted by healthcare
providers ever since
providers ever since
What we do
Four things, done exceptionally well
From first sketch to lifetime support, we keep everything under one roof. Quality, servicability and consistency are built into every stage.
Manufacture
British manufacturing with quality built into every unit, so our devices perform in the most challenging environments and situations.
Supply
Supplying Oxygen, Suction and Entonox® therapy equipment to over 30 countries, with export documentation handled for a seamless order.
Maintain
Field-based and Back-to-Bench servicing keeps devices safe and dependable throughout their working life, backed by spares availability.
Our history
The history of Oxylitre
Oxylitre is proud of its history as a privatly owned business supporting the medical world, a legacy rooted in innovation.
-
1951
Simple beginnings
CVB Limited is founded
After many years in the gas industry, Charles Victor Bell found himself out of work. Determined to support his family, he borrowed a small sum from a relative and founded CVB Limited (Charles V. Bell Limited), repairing oxygen and suction medical equipment in the North West of England.
-
1953
A legacy of innovation
The “OXYLITRE” regulator
As the company grew it moved into manufacturing gas control equipment and nebulisers for hospitals. One of its most notable designs was the “OXYLITRE” pressure regulator and flowmeter, a patented design (Patent 18313/53) that still stands as evidence of a longstanding commitment to innovation.
2025 This image was taken of
the 70-year-old regulator -
1961
A fresh start
The birth of Oxylitre
Following on from his departure at CBV Limited, Mr Bell had saved just enough capital to begin again and established Oxylitre Ltd. The name combines “OXY” (from oxygen) with “LITRE” (the common unit of measurement). Offering the same servicing and product range, Oxylitre quickly earned a strong reputation and spread across most of the UK.
-
1963
The next generation
Tony joins the company
Tony; Oxylitre's current owner and Managing Director started work as a junior, helping in production and repairs at the Manchester office. Over the years he moved into sales and, eventually, into the day-to-day running of the company.
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1969
Growing north
Oxylitre (Edinburgh) Limited
With business in Scotland growing significantly, the distance from Manchester became a challenge. Mr Bell set up Oxylitre (Edinburgh) Limited, which grew steadily using the same philosophy and quality of service as Oxylitre.
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1980
Building Local Engineering Talent
Government Youth Training Scheme
Oxylitre has a long-standing commitment to developing local engineering talent. Our journey began with the Government Youth Training Schemes of the mid to late 1980s, providing young people with valuable opportunities to enter the engineering profession and develop practical skills for industry.
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1985
A privatly owned business
Passing to the next generation
In the early 1980s Mr Bell had began planning his retierment. In the mid-1980s he decided to act on his plans and retire, leaving Oxylitre in the hands of his son Tony; where it remains a proudly privatly owned business today.
-
1987
Servicing excellence
Oxylitre (Medical Services) Ltd
Established to provide the same outstanding on-site service to hospitals (both NHS and private) and the EMS ambulance market. It went on to become one of the leading medical device service companies in the UK for nearly 40 years.
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1996
Specialist finishing
Paramount Electroplating Ltd
Founded to provide high-quality, specialist finishes for metallic items, enabling Oxylitre, and many other companies, to achieve outstanding quality finished components.
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2000
Embracing Modern Apprenticeships
Investing in the Future
With the introduction of modern apprenticeships, Oxylitre renewed its commitment to creating a sustainable pipeline of future engineers. Working closely with local technical colleges, we established pathways that enabled talented young people to gain industry experience, technical qualifications and long-term careers in engineering.
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2011
Product Marking
Enhanced Laser Engraving
We introduced laser engraving across our product range, improving both design and legibility. This ensures that essential information remains permanent and clearly readable throughout each device's working life.
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2012
Reconciliation
Two Branches Become One
In 2012, Oxylitre's Edinburgh and Manchester branches merged into a single unified company, bringing both teams together under one roof to streamline operations and better serve our customers.
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2017
One group
Oxylitre Holdings Limited
In December 2017 each of these companies became a subsidiary of Oxylitre Holdings Limited — bringing design, manufacture, servicing and finishing together under one group. The main office is based in Manchester.
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2020
Apprentices Supporting Critical Healthcare
Difficult Times
During the Covid-19 pandemic, our apprentices played a vital role in helping Oxylitre meet a significant increase in demand for life-saving medical equipment, including oxygen therapy devices supplied to healthcare providers across the UK and beyond. Apprentices supported production, quality control and administration activities, demonstrating the value that emerging engineering talent brings to both industry and society.
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2022
Enhanced Inspection
Image and laser-based inspection systems
To guarantee pinpoint precision in our medical devices, we invested in advanced measuring systems. These deliver higher-resolution measurements and strengthen quality assurance across our entire manufacturing process.
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2024
Ensuring Safety
Working in line with the MDR
As we progress closer to our MDR certification, Oxylitre prioritises patient safety above all else. In early 2024 we completed our QMS transition to a fully implemented MDR management system.
The Oxylitre group
Three companies, one standard of quality
Oxylitre
Designer, manufacturer and supplier of Oxygen, Suction and Entonox® therapy equipment for healthcare and EMS markets worldwide.
Oxylitre Medical Services
Field-based servicing and repair for hospitals, private healthcare and the ambulance sector across the UK.
Paramount Electroplating
High-quality, specialist finishes for metallic components. Supporting Oxylitre and external customers alike.
Apprenticeships
Investing in Local Talent Since the 1980s
For over 40 years, Oxylitre has been investing in people, creating opportunities for future engineers, and helping to keep the tradition of British engineering alive.
From the Government Youth Training Schemes of the 1980s to today's modern apprenticeships, we have provided young people with a pathway into skilled engineering careers.
Working closely with local colleges, training providers and regional universities, our apprenticeship programme creates a sustainable pipeline of future engineers, ensuring valuable skills and knowledge are passed from one generation to the next.
A gateway into industry, many former apprentices have gone on to successful careers across a range of engineering sectors, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond our own organisation, contributing to the continued strength of British industry.
At Oxylitre, sustainability is not just about the products we manufacture. It is about investing in people, supporting our local community, and helping to keep the proud tradition of UK engineering alive for future generations.
As a local apprentice, I've been given the opportunity to learn from experienced engineers while gaining hands-on skills that will last a lifetime. It's rewarding to know I'm part of a company that invests in young people and the future of UK engineering.
Building local skills. Supporting sustainable careers. Securing the future of British engineering.
Commitment to quality products designed in-house, robust and cost effective with quality of service. Oxylitre delivers support that encompasses the needs of our customers in an ever evolving world. We put you, the customer and the customer experience at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for choosing Oxylitre.
Let's find the right solution for you
Whether you need equipment, servicing or expert advice, our team is on hand to help wherever you are in the world.