Mobility Tools (ModiFit): Hand-Stitched Strength Equipment
“Mobility Tools is an independent manufacturer based in Bridgend, Wales, specialising in high-performance powerlifting and weightlifting equipment. Under their 'ModiFit' label, they operate the only dedicated workshop in the UK that physically manufactures custom leather lifting belts, managing the process from raw Italian hide to hand-stitched finished product.”
1. The Heritage
Founded in 2013 by Stuart Bartley, a former mechanical engineer, Mobility Tools was born out of a desire to improve the build quality of strength gear.
After initially importing belts, Bartley brought the entire manufacturing process in-house to Wales to ensure technical consistency.
Today, the company is a primary maker for both individual athletes and global fitness brands, maintaining a small-batch workshop model where the founder still personally stitches a significant portion of the output.
2. The Location
The company operates from a dedicated workshop on the Bridgend Industrial Estate in South Wales. This facility houses their leather-working machinery, embroidery stations, and assembly lines. Unlike brands that function as "white-label" importers, every custom belt in their range is physically cut, glued and sewn within this Welsh facility.
3. The Difference
In-House Leather Craft: They are the UK’s only custom manufacturer to perform the entire leather-working cycle - skiving, gluing and heavy-duty industrial stitching - on-site.
Material Provenance: The belts are constructed using Italian vegetable-tanned top-grain leather for the core, providing the structural rigidity required for heavy lifts, lined with suede sourced from a tannery in Waltham, England.
Engineering Standards: Their powerlifting belts are manufactured in 10mm and 13mm thicknesses (the maximum allowed in international competition) and are engineered to withstand the internal pressure generated during maximal squats and deadlifts.
Lifetime Integrity: Every UK-made belt is backed by a lifetime warranty, covering both the leather construction and the stainless steel or alloy lever mechanisms.
4. The Hero Products
Custom Lever Powerlifting Belt: Their flagship product, a 13mm thick, 4-inch wide belt featuring a heavy-duty quick-release lever. Each is hand-made in Bridgend to the lifter's specific measurements and aesthetic design.
The 'Stealth' Weightlifting Belt: A versatile 10mm leather belt designed for Olympic weightlifting, offering the necessary support for overhead movements while allowing for the required spinal mobility.
Hand-Dyed Leather Lifting Straps: Heavy-duty straps manufactured from the same top-grain leather offcuts as their belts, designed to assist with grip during high-volume pulling sessions.
5. The Essentials
Credentials: Hand-made in Wales; UK’s Only Custom Belt Manufacturer.
Product Index: Belts (Powerlifting): Custom Lever Belts, 10mm Lever Belts, 13mm Lever Belts, Single Prong Belts, Double Prong Belts, IPF Specification Belts. Belts (Olympic Weightlifting): Tapered Weightlifting Belts, Olympic Lifting Belts, Soft Belts, Nylon Belts. Belt Hardware: Replacement Levers, Stainless Steel Buckles, Belt Chicago Screws, Belt Loops. Lifting Accessories: Leather Lifting Straps, Figure 8 Straps, Cotton Lifting Straps, Wrist Wraps, Knee Sleeves, Elbow Slee.
