Decorating equipment manufacturer in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire
Draper Tools started out in 1919 when the founder, Bert Draper, sold government surplus and tools around the Kingston Upon Thames' markets. This led to the purchase of the original warehouse, from which the Draper Tool Company Limited as we know it today was born, although at this time it was known as B. Draper & Son Limited and owned the trademark B.D.S. Although Drapers sold its own brand as early as this time, it was also a quality Engineers Merchant and Tool Wholesaler, selling brands well known today, such as, Britool, King Dick, Elliott Lucas, etc.
Bert Draper Passed away in 1963 and control of the Company passed to his son Norman. With the increased business and cramped conditions at Kingston, Norman purchased the freehold rights to the current premises in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire at auction in 1963. Norman pushed the business forward dramatically and developed the 'Draper' brand as we know it today, by importing quality tools from all around the World. He also established 'exclusive' relationships on a family to family basis, with such Companies as Elora and Knipex, which still exist today.
Norman died in 1994 and the Company is now run by his son, John. His wife Joan, who passed away in 1999, produced, almost single-handedly, the Company's first type-written catalogue in 1953. This level of family involvement would be rare in any other company of this size in the UK... But then Draper Tools is no 'other company!'
John took over the reins in 1992 with the task of taking the company into the new century. Draper Tools continues to thrive on a mixture of inward investment, active support for the independent stockist, striving for operational efficiency and all underpinned by the golden rule since 1919 - Guaranteed Quality. The current premises in Chandler's Ford have been added to considerably since its purchase and has now reached a size of 535,000 sq.ft. It is now probably the largest stock of tools in one place in the UK.
Construction equipment in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
In every corner of the world you'll find a JCB machine. JCB is one of the world's top three manufacturers of construction equipment. We employ around 12,000 people on four continents and sell our products in 150 countries through 2,000 dealer depot locations.
Throughout our 68 year history, we have always invested heavily in research and development, keeping JCB at the cutting edge of innovation.
Today, JCB has some of the finest engineering facilities across the globe, produces a range of over 300 machines and maintains a reputation for unrivalled customer service.
JCB, a truly world-class and still family owned company.
History of JCB
The very first machine that Mr JCB built was a tipping trailer he made using a £1 welding set and sold at the local market for £45! That was in 1945.
In 1948, there were 6 people working for the company which then made a hydraulic tipping trailer - the very first in the whole of Europe.
In 1953, along came the first machine to be stamped with the JCB logo you see on machines today. This was a Backhoe Loader (what we all call a digger!) and it's the machine that everyone nowadays calls a JCB.
In the 1960s, Mr JCB began the tradition of cool JCB stunts to publicise the company name. This is how the world-famous Dancing Diggers started. If you've never seen the Dancing Diggers before please view our quick movie.
Today, JCB has over 7,000 employees and we make 279 different machines. But we're still based in the Midlands so we've got our own JCB jet and helicopter that we use to fly in our customers.
Lifting equipment manufacturer in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Niftylift is one of the largest manufacturers of mobile elevating work platforms in Europe and sells throughout Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Far East, Australia and South Africa. They specialise in compact, low weight articulating booms that offer maximum performance with minimal environmental impact.
They use advanced 3D modelling software together with rigorous testing to optimise every aspect of their product design and to ensure that every Niftylift work platform delivers outstanding performance without compromising on functionality or reliability.
With years of experience designing machines for the hire industry, they understand the importance of reliability,ease of operation, minimal maintenance, and excellent after sales support to their customers.
Through investments in staff, manufacturing equipment and technology, they maintain an ongoing commitment to their customers to consistently produce high quality innovative products that meet or exceed their expectations.
The Company Profile
Founded in 1985 by Roger Bowden, Niftylift has grown to be one of the world's leading manufacturers of mobile elevated work platforms, with over 250 employees in the UK and USA, alongside a vast dealer network across over 40 countries worldwide to support the 75% of sales as exports.
Sustainable Growth
The below diagram illustrates how Niftylift operates as a sustainable company. The four core values of People, Innovation, Quality and Sustainable Finance build the foundations of the five pillars that represent the company's corporate social responsibility.
Chalkdell Drive,
Shenley Wood,
Milton Keynes,