Notrax vs First Mats: Premium Brand or Multi-Brand Retailer?
Comparing a premium matting manufacturer with a leading UK online retailer. Understanding the difference between buying from a brand versus a retailer helps you make the right choice for your requirements and budget.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Notrax | First Mats |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | Manufacturer (brand) | Multi-brand retailer |
| Product Range | Notrax products only | Multiple brands |
| Manufacturing | US (Justrite Safety) | Stocks various origins |
| Price Positioning | Premium | Mixed (budget to premium) |
| Technical Support | Specialist brand knowledge | General product support |
| UK Availability | Through distributors | Direct online ordering |
| Lead Times | Varies by distributor | Next-day on stock items |
| Product Guides | Detailed technical specs | Helpful buying guides |
About Notrax
Notrax is a premium industrial matting brand owned by Justrite Safety Group, a major US-based safety equipment manufacturer. With decades of experience, Notrax has built a reputation for high-quality anti-fatigue, anti-slip, and entrance matting used in demanding industrial environments worldwide.
The brand is known for products like Cushion-Ease modular matting, Diamond Flex, and Superfoam — all engineered for specific industrial applications with comprehensive technical documentation. Notrax products typically use premium materials including nitrile rubber for chemical resistance and durability.
In the UK, Notrax products are available through authorised distributors. This distribution model ensures technical support and proper product specification, though it can mean longer lead times compared to direct retail channels.
Notrax Strengths
- ✓ Premium quality materials and construction
- ✓ Excellent technical documentation
- ✓ Products designed for specific applications
- ✓ Strong durability and longevity
- ✓ Established brand with proven track record
Notrax Limitations
- ✗ Premium pricing across the range
- ✗ US manufactured — longer UK lead times
- ✗ Must purchase through distributors
- ✗ Limited budget-friendly options
About First Mats
First Mats is one of the UK's leading online matting retailers, offering products from multiple manufacturers across various price points. Their business model focuses on convenience, fast delivery, and helping customers find suitable products through extensive buying guides and content.
As a retailer rather than manufacturer, First Mats curates products from different sources, including some premium brands and their own branded options. This gives customers choice across budget, mid-range, and premium categories without being tied to a single manufacturer.
The First Mats website includes helpful guides comparing different matting types and applications, making it accessible for buyers who aren't matting specialists. Their next-day delivery on stocked items suits urgent requirements.
First Mats Strengths
- ✓ Products across multiple price points
- ✓ Fast next-day delivery on stock items
- ✓ Excellent buying guides and content
- ✓ Simple online ordering process
- ✓ Choice from multiple manufacturers
First Mats Limitations
- ✗ Less specialist technical expertise
- ✗ Product quality varies by source
- ✗ May not stock full range from any brand
- ✗ Limited custom or bespoke options
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Notrax if you need:
- → Maximum durability in demanding conditions
- → Specific Notrax products (Cushion-Ease, etc.)
- → Detailed technical documentation
- → Long-term performance over lowest cost
- → Chemical-resistant nitrile rubber
Choose First Mats if you need:
- → Quick online ordering with fast delivery
- → Choice across different price points
- → Guidance through their buying guides
- → Budget-friendly options
- → One-off or occasional purchases
Consider Maximum Matting if you need:
- → UK-manufactured matting with fast delivery
- → Premium quality without premium import pricing
- → 100% recycled PVC for sustainability requirements
- → Free samples dispatched within 1 working day
- → RAMS documentation and free CAD layout support
Frequently Asked Questions
Does First Mats sell Notrax products?
First Mats stocks products from various manufacturers and may include some Notrax items in their range. However, for the complete Notrax product range with full technical support, purchasing through authorised Notrax distributors is recommended. First Mats offers alternatives from multiple brands that may meet similar requirements.
Is Notrax better quality than First Mats products?
Notrax is a premium manufacturer known for high-quality industrial matting. First Mats is a retailer selling products from various manufacturers at different quality levels. You can find premium products through First Mats, but Notrax brand products specifically are positioned at the premium end of the market with corresponding pricing.
Which offers better value — Notrax or First Mats?
First Mats offers products across a wider price range, making it easier to find budget-friendly options. Notrax products command premium pricing but offer excellent durability and performance. For long-term value in demanding applications, Notrax may prove more economical despite higher upfront cost. For lighter use, First Mats' mid-range options may provide sufficient performance at lower cost.
Can I get next-day delivery for Notrax products?
Next-day delivery for Notrax products depends on your distributor's stock levels. First Mats offers next-day delivery on their stocked items as a core part of their service. For urgent Notrax requirements, check availability with UK distributors or consider equivalent products available for faster delivery.
Which should I choose for a factory anti-fatigue matting project?
For premium, long-lasting performance in demanding conditions, Notrax products like Cushion-Ease are excellent choices. For projects with tighter budgets or less demanding applications, First Mats offers good mid-range alternatives. Consider also UK-manufactured options like Safe-Flex, which combines quality performance with shorter lead times and sustainability benefits.
Try UK-Made Safe-Flex Matting
Premium quality without the import wait. Made in the West Midlands from 100% recycled PVC, with free samples dispatched within 1 working day.