Dates in the history of Twyfords
Twyford in the Seventeeth Century - 1600s
1630 William Twyford (Father of Joshua, the potter) owned property in Shelton, a village half way between Stoke and Hanley. He was a yeoman farmer, owned his own land and was the Warden of the Church in Stoke-on-Trent, where he is now buried. He had a son Joshua, who was born on the 6 December 1640, and we know he was making pottery in a simple kiln in Shelton some 25 years later.
1680 JOSHUA TWYFORD (1640-1729 Aged 89) is thought to have been born at Shelton, near Stoke-on-Trent, a member of a dynastic Staffordshire potting family. He was baptised on 6 December 1640 at Stoke-on-Trent, the son of William Twyford and his wife, Margaret. He was buried at Stoke-on-Trent parish church in 1729. He was the first Twyford to make commercial pottery near Shelton Old Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Specimens of his work can be seen at the Potteries Museum in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, including a salt glazed stoneware teapot inscribed ‘Sarah Twyford’.
Twyford in the Eighteenth Century - 1700s
1700 Black Teapot reputed to have been manufactured by Twyford.
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| Black 'sprigged' Teapot Photo: courtesy of The Potteries Museum, Hanley |
1729 JOSHUA TWYFORD died. The precise date production ceased at Twyford’s original factory is not known, but the Twyford family continued potting in the district with a possible a lapse of a generation.
Twyfords in the Nineteenth Century - 1800s
Sanitaryware production commenced in 1849 when Thomas Twyford established his factory in Bath Street, Hanley. He began manufacturing elementary toilet bowls (for use in Valve Closets) and washbasins. In that same year Thomas had a son, Thomas William, and it was Thomas William who, in his twenties, took over the running of the factory and rapidly expanded the company. In 1887 Thomas William built his new 'model' factory in Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, and by then his one-piece, all-ceramic, free-standing, washout pedestal closet, designed in 1883, was in full production. By the end of the century the sanitaryware industry was fully developed and all of the bathroom products we are accustomed to today had been designed and developed.
1827 THOMAS TWYFORD was born.
1849 THOMAS TWYFORD established
two factories where washbasins and closet pans of an elementary nature were
made.
The first was his Bath Street Works in Hanley,
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| Magnificent terracotta sign for the Bath Street Works. 1849 Now Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent In 2012 planning permission was sought demolish the factory. The factory was subsequently demolished |
The second was his Abbey
Works in Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent.
Twyford
commenced exporting to America,
Russia, Australia, France,
Germany, Spain and many
other countries.
1849 - 23 September THOMAS WILLIAM TWYFORD was born. He was born inHanover Street Stoke-on-Trent .
1865
1849 - 23 September THOMAS WILLIAM TWYFORD was born. He was born in
1865
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| Trade Advertisement 1865 |
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| Trade Advertisement in 1865 Keates Directory |
1870 The 'Annus Mirabilis' of the water closet. 1870 was the start of thirty years of massive growth of the Twyfords company and a flood of sanitary invention.
1872 THOMAS TWYFORD died. Thomas
William, at the age of just 23, took over the running of the blossoming
company.
1879 The DELUGE - the 'all new' wash-down pan. This is a page from the 1879 Catalogue
1879 The DELUGE - the 'all new' wash-down pan. This is a page from the 1879 Catalogue
1883/4 THOMAS WILLIAM
TWYFORD introduced the all-ceramic, free-standing, one-piece, washout,
pedestal closet. The UNITAS.
This incorporated the WC pan with an integral trap as one piece of pottery without the need for a surrounding wooden cabinet. The UNITAS was exported throughout the world and the name itself is used to this day in the Russian language to mean 'toilet'.
This incorporated the WC pan with an integral trap as one piece of pottery without the need for a surrounding wooden cabinet. The UNITAS was exported throughout the world and the name itself is used to this day in the Russian language to mean 'toilet'.
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| The Unitas 1883 |
1887 Twyford’s Cliffe Vale factory was built as a 'model' factory. The new factory’s toilet facilities and systems of
ventilation were treated by Government Inspectors of Factories as a pattern for
the whole of Staffordshire. Every workman had his own opening window.
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| Thomas William Twyford |
1889 The first washbasins with combined overflows introduced by Twyford.
1890 Twyfords brought a group of
Scotsmen with their families to Stoke-on-Trent
and established a factory at Cliffe Vale to manufacture fireclay.
1896 Twyfords formed into a
Private Limited Company.
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| Stack of Directors Minutes Books found in the loft spaces at Twyfords Cliffe Vale Factory during their conversion to apartments . Rescued by Terry Woolliscroft (Twyford employee) and now safely stored at Stoke-on-Trent City Archives, Hanley |
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| The first minute of the directors of the newly formed Twyfords Limited, 1896 |
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| Thomas William Twyford signature as Chairman of the new company |
1896 Mr Twyford's OWN bath. Mr Thomas William Twyford had this bath made for himself and installed at his house - Whitmore Hall, near Newcastle under Lyme. Manufactured from Fireclay. Decorated to look like marble.
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| Thomas William Twyford's own bath |
1899 The company became a member of The Sanitaryware Manufacturers Association on 26 June with a subscription of £320.
1900 The company became a member of The Fireclay Pedestal Closet Manufacturers Association
on 21 July with a subscription of £50
Twyfords in the Twentieth Century - 1900s
1901 Twyfords built a factory in
1901 Twyfords gets a telephone! And the number was ... Hanley 45
1910 The origins of Edward Curran Engineering Co. was founded. Edward Curran manufactured inCardiff
in South Wales and eventually joined Twyfords producing baths.
1911 Commemorative beaker commissioned and given away by Twyfords 22nd June 1911. How many were made is not known. Who they were presented to is also not known.
1910 The origins of Edward Curran Engineering Co. was founded. Edward Curran manufactured in
1911 Commemorative beaker commissioned and given away by Twyfords 22nd June 1911. How many were made is not known. Who they were presented to is also not known.
1911 A new Twyfords fireclay
factory was built at Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent ,
opposite the Head Offices.
1911 Publication of Twyfords latest Catalogue, the huge 'J' Catalogue. Printed in black and white on glossy 'art' paper. Hard back, gold leaf impressed.
1911 Publication of Twyfords latest Catalogue, the huge 'J' Catalogue. Printed in black and white on glossy 'art' paper. Hard back, gold leaf impressed.
1912 Twyfords 'Etruria Works' was constructed from large buildings previously used as winter quarters by Barnum and Bailey’s circus.
1914 Edward Curran Engineering developed expertise in drawing and shaping metal and were involved in producing armaments used in the First World War.
1917 Thomas Twyford gave land at Cliffe Vale, free of charge, to ‘The Land Cultivation Special Committee of Stoke-on-Trent Council’ whose aim was ‘supplementing the table supply of vegetables’. This was on condition that it was cultivated for a minimum of 3 years. From The Potteries Gazette and Glass Trade Review February 1917 page 180. Thanks to Kathy Niblett for this little gem!
1919 Twyfords became a Public
Limited Company.
'The period between the two World Wars was one of consolidation and expansion for the company, particularly in export markets. In 1945, when the war ended, the company was faced with tremendous demand from almost every part of the globe for its products. This was a period of great change in the pottery industry when the old traditional methods of firing in 'bottle ovens' changed to the new practice of firing in tunnel kilns. A great step forward and a blessing for everyone. This meant that all factories had to modernise and replace their kilns or go out of business. For instance, at the Twyfords Etruria factory all the bottle ovens had to be knocked down and tunnel kilns constructed over a period of two to three years, without losing production. At that time due to the war damage and the development of Third World Nations the demand for sanitaryware was enormous and the problem was to keep pace with it.'
'The period between the two World Wars was one of consolidation and expansion for the company, particularly in export markets. In 1945, when the war ended, the company was faced with tremendous demand from almost every part of the globe for its products. This was a period of great change in the pottery industry when the old traditional methods of firing in 'bottle ovens' changed to the new practice of firing in tunnel kilns. A great step forward and a blessing for everyone. This meant that all factories had to modernise and replace their kilns or go out of business. For instance, at the Twyfords Etruria factory all the bottle ovens had to be knocked down and tunnel kilns constructed over a period of two to three years, without losing production. At that time due to the war damage and the development of Third World Nations the demand for sanitaryware was enormous and the problem was to keep pace with it.'
1921 THOMAS WILLIAM TWYFORD died 21st March.
He was recognised as a leading pioneer in the application of principles of
hygiene to sanitary appliances. In his death notice it said “Mr Twyford’s name will be long and honourably remembered as one of the pioneers in the application of the principles of hygiene to Sanitary Appliances and the development of their use throughout the world. His death removes from us one who was held in the highest esteem and respect by all who knew him.”
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| Twyford's Grave. Whitmore Churchyard near Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Thomas William Twyford is buried here with his wife and daughter |
1929 A new, silent, black and
white movie film showing the sanitaryware processes was commissioned as a
marketing tool by the new Twyford's management. This is an edited version with a voice over by Jim Gibson.
Here is the full 17 minute version - available for free and online at The British Film Institute https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-twyfords-limited-1929-online
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| https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-twyfords-limited-1929-online |
1931 HRH Prince George KG visits Cliffe Vale factory, accompanied by J T Webster, Managing Director
1945 Reconstruction of Etruria
Works started and the first tunnel kilns installed.
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| Twyfords E Works 1950 |
1949 Twyfords works outing to Blackpool
1951 Cliffe Vale Works still firing product in bottle ovens with coal as the fuel, belching smoke across the adjacent Hanley Cemetery.
1953 The Fireclay factory, Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent was reconstructed (it suffered bomb damage during the second world war.)
1951 Cliffe Vale Works still firing product in bottle ovens with coal as the fuel, belching smoke across the adjacent Hanley Cemetery.
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| Twyfords Cliffe Vale Works Photo: E J D Warrillow Collection Date: 1951 |
1953 The Fireclay factory, Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent was reconstructed (it suffered bomb damage during the second world war.)
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| Twyfords Fireclay Works. Bomb damage during Second World War. Enemy planes were aiming for the nearby Shelton Steel Works but missed their aim |
1955 18 March P&S Plastics incorporated
1956 Construction at Alsager, Cheshire
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
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| Twyfords Alsager Factory first part built 1957 |
1957 Advert in The Evening Sentinel
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| Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
1957 Publication of Twyfords latest catalogue, the Black Catalogue. This coincided with the opening of the Alsager factory.
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel Twyfords Alasager, first kiln lit - 1957 Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
1958 June Manufacture of Ceramant Twice-fired vitreous china at the original Cliffe Vale Factory ceased as the new Alsager factory came on stream.
1958 Two new directors appointed
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel 21 November 1958 Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
1960s During the 1960s Twyfords established factories in South Africa, Australia and India more details here>
1960 Hindustan Twyfords Ltd. was incorporated to introduce vitreous china sanitaryware for the first time in India.
"With a mission to revolutionise the sanitaryware ware market in India, Mr. Rajendra K. Somany, in collaboration with Twyfords Ltd. of UK, established Hindustan Twyfords with a factory at Bahadurgarh, near Delhi, in 1960.
Backed by innovative products,
Hindustan Twyfords was the first company
to introduce vitreous china ceramics into India.
Keeping in mind the need to change the sanitation conditions in the country, his vision and goal found perfect harmony with his desire to do something for the social welfare of the nation as well. With this thought, enormous encouragement given by his family and with technical support provided by Twyfords, Mr. Somany founded the Bahadurgarh plant which commenced its production in 1962.
And since then, every year has turned out to be more eventful, successful and ever challenging. We have set several milestones marking our achievements in creating innovative products, market penetration, internal expansion, as well as venturing out into new businesses – container glass and home retail." more here>
1960 May The Seventh International Ceramic Congress was held in England. Twyford was host to visitors from France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Argentina.
1960 The production of earthenware sanitaryware ceased.
1961 Edward Curran Engineering, Cardiff, South Wales, invested in a new 1600 ton steel press to produce high quality steel bath tubs.
1960 The production of earthenware sanitaryware ceased.
1961 Edward Curran Engineering, Cardiff, South Wales, invested in a new 1600 ton steel press to produce high quality steel bath tubs.
1961 November Managers and their families depart to set up the new Indian and South African factories.
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
1962 Twyfords established a small factory at Alberton, eight miles from Johannesburg, South Africa . A company called Twyfords (South Africa) Pty was formed - wholly owned by the parent company.
1963 - 18 March Twyfords commenced manufacture of vitreous china inIndia.
1969 Twyfords (Australia) PTY Ltd. formed and building commenced for the new Australian Factory
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| Twyford South Africa |
1963 - 18 March Twyfords commenced manufacture of vitreous china in
1969 Twyfords (Australia) PTY Ltd. formed and building commenced for the new Australian Factory
1970 Twyfords commenced
manufacture of vitreous china in a new factory located at Broadmeadows, Melbourne , Australia
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| Twyfords Australia |
1970 Twyfords widened its range of fittings by
manufacturing its own brand of luxury tap fittings - AZTEC - in
gold or chrome finish. Now regarded as a classic. Designed by David Johnson.
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| Aztec |
1970 The parent company changed its name on 16 March 1970 to Twyfords Holding Ltd and the UK operation of the Group, formerly part of the parent company's activities, were transferred to a new Company known as Twyfords Limited, with effect from 1 April 1970.
1971 Early June Discussions took place with Glynwed> concerning a possible merger of the two companies. By Mid August the bid by Glynwed was rejected as too low.
1971 September Twyfords acquired by Reed International Limited>. The Reed Building Products Division was formed, including Key Terrain, the makers of plastic plumbing systems; Edward Curran Engineering Ltd, Cardiff; Cameron Irrigation; Walker Crosweller; PWP Glazing Products; Burn Bros; Celluform; N.V.Koninklijke Sphinx, Holland and of course Twyford.
1971 Early June Discussions took place with Glynwed> concerning a possible merger of the two companies. By Mid August the bid by Glynwed was rejected as too low.
1971 September Twyfords acquired by Reed International Limited>. The Reed Building Products Division was formed, including Key Terrain, the makers of plastic plumbing systems; Edward Curran Engineering Ltd, Cardiff; Cameron Irrigation; Walker Crosweller; PWP Glazing Products; Burn Bros; Celluform; N.V.Koninklijke Sphinx, Holland and of course Twyford.
1972 Edward Curran Engineering> began to manufacture acrylic baths.
1973 Edward Curran Engineering
Limited of Cardiff , the UK
1973 Massive factory extension at Alsager factory
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel 13 March 1973 Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history 13 March 1973 |
1975 Walker Crossweller (MIRA
showers) of Cheltenham , the leading
manufacturers of shower fittings, joined Reed Building Products.
1975 April Twyford Bathrooms is one of the first industrial sponsors of Gladstone Pottery Museum when it opened in April 1975. The original sanitaryware gallery consisted almost entirely of the Twyford's Collection.
1976 A £5 million expansion scheme for the Alsager vitreous china factory completed.
1977 In 1977 The Queen's Silver Jubilee was marked with celebrations at every level throughout the country and Commonwealth. Twyfords introduced a special limited edition suite in sepia brown with gold decoration and gold plated fittings. (Interestingly not silver or chrome). The bath was the acrylic Montrose corner bath, the washbasin was the Louise, and the WC was the Brampton double-trap syphonic. The bidet was equipped with special rising spray.
1975 April Twyford Bathrooms is one of the first industrial sponsors of Gladstone Pottery Museum when it opened in April 1975. The original sanitaryware gallery consisted almost entirely of the Twyford's Collection.
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| Gladstone Pottery Museum Sanitaryware Gallery Toilet display 1975 |
1976 A £5 million expansion scheme for the Alsager vitreous china factory completed.
1977 In 1977 The Queen's Silver Jubilee was marked with celebrations at every level throughout the country and Commonwealth. Twyfords introduced a special limited edition suite in sepia brown with gold decoration and gold plated fittings. (Interestingly not silver or chrome). The bath was the acrylic Montrose corner bath, the washbasin was the Louise, and the WC was the Brampton double-trap syphonic. The bidet was equipped with special rising spray.
1980 Silver Fox - the new fashion colour (and still fashionable 40 years later in 2020) Not the very special protective gummed paper tape!
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| Twyfords Rhapsody basin in Silver Fox colour 1980 |
1983 November/December Huge building exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK. Twyford Bathrooms take a large stand.
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| Image courtesy of Neil Egginton, October 2018 |
1984 A further extension of Alsager factory completed by the acquisition of an additional 7 acre site (at Linley Lane) complete with a recently vacated 70,000 sq. ft. warehouse.
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel 3rd December 1984 Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
1985
October Twyfords acquired by Caradon Limited who purchased the whole of the U.K.
1986 Company name changed to Caradon Twyfords, a member of the Caradon Group of companies. Vehicles repainted with new livery.
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| Article in the Evening Sentinel 23 April 1986 Many thanks go to Selwyn Rowley for providing this piece of history |
1986 'Twyford Living Bathrooms' - new bathroom retailing concept launched.
1986 The Twyford Fountain displayed at The National Garden Festival, Stoke.
Designed by Roger Pierce, David Johnson, Engineering by Des Scott and PR by Jim Gibson. Plus many others in the Twyfords Team.
1987 Caradon becomes a Public
Limited Company. Employees offered share scheme.
1988 September Twyford ColleXion mail order bathroom accessories
launched. Product range included tiles and wallpaper, curtains and fabric, carpets and accessories, and luxury towels and robes. The ColleXion warehouse is established at the Garner Street works in Etruria, not far from the Cliffe Vale factory.
1989 Caradon invest £10 million
in improved manufacturing and design facilities at Alsager, Stoke and Cardiff
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| Sky view of Twyfords Alsager Factory at its peak. 1994 |
1989 October Caradon Group was purchased
by MB Group which already included Stelrad Radiators, Ideal Boilers and
Doulton Bathrooms. Twyford merges with
Doulton Bathrooms – new sales office set up in 1990. more here>
1990 Twyfords ColleXion - its second brochure was launched and at this time Twyfords had 10 different pottery colours in its portfolio.
1990 Garner St (E Works) factory closes.
1990 Twyfords ColleXion - its second brochure was launched and at this time Twyfords had 10 different pottery colours in its portfolio.
1990 Garner St (E Works) factory closes.
1991 Twyfords ColleXion mail order accessories business sold to H&S
Distributors (H&S later went out of business).
1992 MB Caradon invested £13
million in a new National Distribution Centre and new Head Office, showroom, administrative
block and Training Centre on the Alsager site, which became the largest single
unit devoted to vitreous china production and distribution in Europe . (The site
at Alsager now covered 70 acres.)
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| Twyford Bathrooms NDC - fully open in 1993 |
1993 MB Caradon acquired Pillar
Group of companies for £800 million including brand names Catnic, Friedland,
Garador, MK Electrical. Group turnover increased to over £2Billion and a
workforce of 25,000 and comprising 300 manufacturing or distribution locations
throughout the world.
1993 September Caradon Bathrooms launches it 'First In Service' programme for all employees. The company mission and its four key goals were announced.
1997 February Announcement that Twyford's Cardiff Factory (manufacturing Steel and Acrylic Baths) would close in the April.
1997 Twyford's 'art deco' styled bathroom suite called Clarice is launched.
1993 September Caradon Bathrooms launches it 'First In Service' programme for all employees. The company mission and its four key goals were announced.
1997 February Announcement that Twyford's Cardiff Factory (manufacturing Steel and Acrylic Baths) would close in the April.
1997 Twyford's 'art deco' styled bathroom suite called Clarice is launched.
1998 Caradon Plumbing Solutions
launched as a new trading company for the ten major plumbing brands within the
Caradon Group.
1998 "Lenny Henry Goes to Town" with the Twyfords tappers. A complete 40 min program filmed live in 1998 from the Theatre Royal Hanley, with Robbie Williams and lads from the Alsager and Fireclay Works
1999 Twyford’s 150th birthday. Staff and pensioners celebrated with a slice of birthday cake!
1999 The Royal Warrant awarded to Twyford Bathrooms.
Withdrawn in 2018/2019
Twyfords in the Twenty First Century
SUMMARY : In August 2011 Twyford's Alsager factory was closed. The portfolio of its products was outsourced from overseas and the factory site was given planning permission in 2014 for a Sainsbury's supermarket and housing. The supermarket plan did not go ahead but the site was developed for private housing. The office block was converted into a Dementia Care Facility.
2000 Royal Doulton bathrooms brand launched for retail bathroom showrooms.
2000 All new, purpose-built Twyford Training Centre opened in a recently vacated part of the factory (old distribution warehouse, superceded by the NDC in 1993.
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| Twyford Training Centre 2000 |
2000
November Caradon
Plumbing Solutions purchased by HSBC Private Equity.
2000 Montagu Private Equity buys Caradon Plumbing in a transaction with total funding of £496 million (€794 million).
"Caradon Plumbing was one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of plumbing and heating products in the UK, employing some 3,900 staff across ten manufacturing sites when acquired. It had a market leading position in its four core product areas of showers, bathrooms, boilers and radiators. Its brands included Mira and Rada in showers, Twyford and Doulton in bathrooms and Ideal Boilers and Stelrad Radiators. It was primarily a UK business but had pan-European operations in the radiator market.
Elements of the Caradon Plumbing business dated back to the early twentieth century. The businesses were brought together during the 1980's as a result of the Management Buyout of Reed Building Products to form Caradon and the acquisition of Carnaud-Metal Box in 1989.
In July 2001, Mira Showers was sold for £301 million (€481 million) to US-based Kohler Corporation. This disposal followed the earlier sale of Twyford Bathrooms to Sanitec plc for £84 million, and completed the programme of disposals planned at the time of acquisition. At this point, Montagu recouped its entire investment. Following a re-financing, which returned over half the original investment, the remaining boilers and radiators businesses were sold to Warburg Pincus in 2005."
2001 January Twyford Bathrooms sold to the SANITEC Corporation of Helsinki , Finland for £84 million
About Sanitec
"Home of the Bathroom Sanitec is the leader in bathroom ceramics in Europe. We have a unique portfolio of some of the most well-known brands with deep roots in the European fixtures markets, strategically positioned to address local markets. We care passionately about people’s needs when it comes to complete bathroom concepts, providing products that stand for guaranteed quality, high level of innovation and attractive design. Stable relationships with key stakeholders in the value chain and our unique brand strengths foster our leading position as well as the loyalty and trust among our customers, our network of installers and the end users of our products. Sanitec operates an integrated European group with an unparalleled local presence to provide the best value when it comes to bathroom products."Sanitec was established as a subsidiary of Wärtsilä in 1990. In 1999 Sanitec was listed on the Helsinki stock exchange. It was delisted on 1 November 2001 after being acquired by Pool Acquisition Helsinki Oy, a company Sanitec merged with on 31 March 2002. In the beginning of 2005 the merged company was completely acquired by EQT. In February 2015, Sanitec was acquired by the Swiss firm Geberit for $US1.4 billion.
Sanitec Brands (year of acquisition)
Allia, France (1991)
IDO, Finland
Ifö, Sweden (1981)
Keramag, Germany (1991)
Kolo, Poland (1993)
Koralle, Germany
Porsgrund, Norway (1985)
Pozzi-Ginori, Italy (1993)
Selles, France
Sphinx, Netherlands (1999)
Twyford Bathrooms, United Kingdom (2001)
Varicor, Germany (1998)
2001 January - Extract courtesy: www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk More than 700 workers at a bathroom factory face a second major shake-up within four months after their workplace was bought for £82 million by a Finnish rival. A company spokesman admitted a "handful" of staff at Alsager-based Caradon Bathrooms will lose their current positions within the company. But all the affected workers will be offered new jobs within the Bath Street (?) factory and no-one will have to reapply for their jobs when Sanitec takes over. Mark Pickering, managing director of Caradon Bathrooms, said: "We are pleased to become part of a focused bathrooms product group with as good a reputation as Sanitec. We are optimistic about the opportunities that Sanitec brings for the employees of the company, our customers and the management team here in the UK." The Finnish bathroom giant bought the Bath Street (?) factory – which makes products for the Twyford and Doulton bathroom brands – to establish a UK foothold. The Caradon plumbing division, which employs 4,000 people, was sold in October as part of a £442 million disposal of the Caradon plumbing division to venture capitalist HSBC Private equity. Subsequent disposal of Caradon Bathrooms, which has has the bulk of its 950 workforce in Alsager with smaller sites in Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, and Kent, will allow the plumbing division to focus on its shower, boiler and radiator business. Caradon Bathrooms currently holds 20 per cent of the UK market with sales of £70 million in 1999. A team of experts from Caradon and Sanitec will oversee the integration of the two merging businesses.
A spokesman said a "handful" of employees in centralised roles at the Alsager works could face the loss of their jobs in April, although stressed that they will be offered new roles within the company. A decision on exact numbers will be made at the end of this month.
- Berndt Brunow, secretary and CEO of Sanitec, said the move was a "logical step" forward. He said: "Caradon Bathrooms is a quality player that is increasing its market share in an important market. Twyford, Doulton and Royal Doulton are strong quality brands."
2001 July Sanitec acquired by BC Partners. A privately owned company, wholly owned by its senior executives
2001 Twyford introduced the first
British made, specially designed, valve operated toilet suite to the UK
2001 July Twyford's "concept toilet" - The
VIP - launched to critical acclaim.
2002 June Twyford introduced a new range of products which were designed specifically to aid installation. Total Install
2002 Alsager Factory - tour guides training video
2002 March New Sanitaryware Gallery opens at Gladstone Pottery Museum, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Twyfords was a major sponsor. More here>
2002 22 August Twyford's Fireclay Factory closed.
2003 January Twyford Bathrooms
added a new brand to its portfolio. The brand is REVITA and the product range
included hydromassage showers and baths.
2003
May Twyford | PURE -Twyford launches new
retail portfolio of upmarket bathroom suites.
2004 November GEO, a new range of shower enclosures launched.
2004 November GEO, a new range of shower enclosures launched.
2005 Twyford brand logo is
redesigned.
2005 April Sanitec aquired by EQT Private Equity, from BC Partners
"EQT invests in companies, sectors and regions where there is an opportunity to make a genuine difference through a consistent application of an industrial approach, access to specialist expertize and a strategy geared towards growth and development. The ownership mission is to invest to create strong and sustainable businesses, bringing great companies to future owners."
2006 Royal Doulton Bathrooms brand withdrawn. Royalities for the use of the name paid to Royal Doulton Ltd come to a halt.
2006 Spring ON THE ROAD Twyford converts a double-decker bus both inside and out to drive around the country to show its latest products. The bus stopped at builders merchants and retailers in an innovative, attractive and cost effective way.
2007 January Twyford’s Sola range completely overhauled and
the RIMLESS PAN launched.
2007 8th July EQT and Sanitec (Just two years after EQT acquired the company) sell Twyford's Alsager site to Lagan Group, Belfast.
"Twyford's is remaining on site as the major tenant, however, with an element of its operations moving into mainland Europe this releases 26 acres of land suitable for potential mixed-use development." Lagan Group
2008 Twyford | PURE range of products withdrawn
2010 May EQT and Sanitec close Twyford's Alsager Ceramic Sanitaryware factory.
"It's clearly a very sad and hugely regrettable day. The guys on the shop floor and the operations and manufacturing management have worked wonders to get the efficiency to the point where it is, so it's not a reflection on them, but it is a huge consequence for them. We've been manufacturing on that site since 1959 and, if you go back to the very beginning, nearly 300 years in the region altogether." MD Twyford Bathrooms
2011 August Sanitaryware production in halted after 162 years. Factory at Alsager, Stoke on Trent closed. Demolition of the factory commences to make way for Sainsbury's. Twyfords offices remain.
"Sainsbury's would like to bring a new foodstore to Alsager, on part of the Twyford Bathrooms site off Linley Lane, and have submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council. Part of the Twyford Bathrooms factory was closed in 2011, leaving large parts of the site unused. The company has been downsizing their UK manufacturing operation since 2007 but, in partnership with the landlord Lagan (Alsager) Ltd, they have been able to maintain their sales, marketing, customer services and logistics operations on the site. In 2010, Lagan consulted on a proposed masterplan for the site, which included around 400 new homes. As part of this masterplan, an area was designated for retail in the south-east corner of the site. Sainsbury’s would now like to use this area for a new 25,000 sq ft store and a decision on the planning application is expected in the next few months"
2012 March Planning permission for the proposed Sainsbury supermarket is refused.
2012 October/November Twyford's Bath Street Works, off Huntbach Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, is finally demolished. Terracotta ornaments on the outside of the building were rescued by the City Council and put in store.
2012 28 December Twyford's Garner Street or "Etruria Works" goes up in smoke. The factory was split up into industrial units when the works shut. It was reported that 30 business were active on the site when an enormous fire broke out. Many of the businesses were affected.
2013 3 April Sainsbury’s Application approved. Cheshire East’s Strategic Planning Board unanimously approved the Sainsbury’s Supermarket application at their meeting on Wednesday so the development on the Twyfords site will go ahead.
2013 October Plans submitted for £3.6m supermarket. Further detailed plans submitted for a scheme by Lagan (Alsager) Ltd and J Sainsbury Plc at the Twyford Bathrooms site in Lawton Road at Alsager, Stoke on Trent. This scheme comprises of demolition and the construction of a Sainsbury's supermarket of 4,254sqm with a petrol filling station and associated car parking. Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson are the architects who designed this £3.6 million scheme.
2014 Demolition of Alsager factory proceeds, slowed by presence of asbestos.
2014 Twyford invested £150k in a brand new showroom at its Alsager plant. The investment is part of parent company Sanitec’s strategic plans to raise the profile of the Twyford brand and coincides with the upcoming summer launch of major new ceramic and shower enclosure ranges. It also showcases the five design collections in the luxury brand Keramag Design.
2014 September Sanitec continues to be owned by EQT Private Equity.
In 2013 net sales in Sanitec amounted to EUR 702 million. The production network includes 18 production facilities throughout Europe and currently Sanitec employs approximately 6,200 people. The head office is located in Helsinki, Finland. The shares in Sanitec Corporation are traded on NASDAQ Stockholm under the symbol “SNTC
2014 14th October Geberit AG announced a public offer to the shareholders of Sanitec Corporation to tender all shares in Sanitec to Geberit at a price of SEK 97 in cash per share. Geberit CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors Albert M. Baehny comments as follows:
“This transaction will make us the leader in the sanitary products industry and expand the addressable market for Geberit. We will strengthen our access to end consumers and our presence in showrooms. These aspects are crucial, especially in those markets where end consumers are the key decision makers. The transaction is a promising union of leading brands in the areas of sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. The outstanding reputation of both companies for product quality and reliability, service and innovation combined with strong brands make this combination a perfect match.”
2014 27th November Sainsbury deny new store is to be scrapped. Sainsbury has scotched rumours that its proposed Alsager foodstore would no longer be going ahead...
2015 February Sanitec sold by EQT Private Equity to Geberit.
2015 3rd February The Offer was declared unconditional by Geberit on 3 February 2015. Geberit announced that it completed the settlement of the acquisition of 99.08% Sanitec shares tendered in the Offer. Geberit owns Sanitec - and hence Twyford Bathrooms. The Geberit Group is the European market leader in sanitary technology with a global orientation. Geberit has its own representatives in 41 countries. The range includes the product areas of sanitary systems and piping systems. Geberit brand products are innovative, durable and eco-efficient.
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| The Geberit Group is the European market leader in sanitary technology with a global orientation. Geberit has its own representatives in 41 countries. The range includes the product areas of sanitary systems and piping systems. Geberit brand products are innovative, durable and eco-efficient. |
2015 27th February The last day of trading in the Sanitec shares on Nasdaq Stockholm was on 27 February 2015. For Geberit, the merger with Sanitec represents an expansion of its strategic focus. The future product offerings will be enhanced with bathroom ceramics. The new company will be the market leader for sanitary products in Europe, combining behind-the-wall technical know-how with in-front-of the-wall design competence. Geberit is excited about the prospect of collaborating with Sanitec’s professional and knowledgeable staff to extract the expected significant benefits from the combination of the two companies. All elements of the integration and target organization will be developed jointly with representatives from both companies.
2015 9th March The Extraordinary General Meeting of Sanitec Corporation. CEO of Geberit Group, Christian Buhl, was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sanitec.
“I want to thank Sanitec’s previous Board of Directors, chaired by Fredrik Cappelen, as well as the Top Management Team of Sanitec, lead by President & CEO Peter Nilsson, for their professional work and commitment during the recent years to bring Sanitec back to operational profitability. I also want to express our gratitude for their important contribution during the past months in the acquisition process and for their continued support to ensure a smooth and efficient integration of Sanitec into Geberit Group”, says Christian Buhl, Chairman of Sanitec’s Board of Directors and CEO of Geberit Group.
2015 11th June Further negotiations for the Sainsbury’s development in Alsager have still been going ahead despite the company withdrawing its plans for stores nationwide after reporting a heavy financial loss. Since the company was given planning permission for a supermarket at the former Twyford’s Bathroom’s site last year there hasn’t been any noticeable development. Congleton Chronicle.
2015 Autumn Sainsbury's abandon plans to develop the Alsager site?
2015 11th December Twyfords Alsager sales office shuts. Sales administration moves to Geberit offices in Warwick. Remaining staff at Alsager describe it as "the end of and era".
2015 23rd December Twyford Bathrooms name is changed to Geberit Service.
2016 July Demolition of Alsager factory continues.
2016 26th July 30 firefighters battle fire at Twyford factory site in Alsager. More here> in The Sentinel newspaper.
2016 16th August - from the Geberit Group half year results media release. "Half-Year Report as of 30 June 2016. Status of Sanitec integration: The integration is proceeding according to plan. Geberit and the former Sanitec sales units have been operating as one company with common ordering and invoicing processes in all markets since 1 January 2016. In 2016, the focus falls on the harmonisation of processes and realisation of synergies."
2016 19th August Five years after the closure of the Alsager Factory and demolition continues as the future of the site remains uncertain.
2016 30th August Demolition of the Alsager Factory comes close to conclusion
2016, 6th October Derek Gallimore becomes a Director of Geberit Service.
2016, 16th December The main offices on the Alsager site are finally closed. Remaining staff are moved to the 'NDC Offices'. These are on the same site, at Alsager, but connected to the Logistics Warehouse.
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| Twyford's main offices on the Alsager site Opened 1992, closed 16 Dec 2016 |
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| Twyford's NDC offices with warehouse behind Opened 1992 |
2017 January Geberit, now the owner of the Twyfords Brand, decide to pull the brand from retail sales and only use it for products destined for commercial properties.
2017 January The Twyford Alsager factory from the air. Note the massive concrete floor plan with deep holes for storage arks, bottom middle. The NDC (National Distribution Centre is the large light grey cladded building on the left. The sales office and showroom building was the red brick building near the top just off to the left. The dark grey slab in front of this was the staff car park. Many thanks to Alsager Computers for permission to use the image. www.alsagercomputers.co.uk
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| Twyford Alsager factory from the air Photo source: www.alsagercomputers.co.uk |
2017 Twyford's office block, opened in 1992, is put on the market. Described as "Linley Point is a two-storey, modern, self-contained office building of steel portal frame construction with brick elevations beneath a pitched tiled roof. Built in 1992, Linley Point provides two floors of high quality flexible office accommodation. Each floor comprises circa 16,000 sq ft with a mixture of open plan and partitioned office space serviced from a central core. The premises could potentially be adapted for alternative uses, such as residential care/nursing home, subject to the necessary planning permission."
2017 Twyfords new Warwick Showroom opens
2017 House building starts by Wain Homes.
2018 October Moorfield Group acquired the 324,000 sq ft warehouse (Twyfords NDC) near Crewe for £16.25m from Lagan Developments. The distribution facility is let until December 2020 to Geberit, a Swiss group specialising in bathroom products and drainage systems. The building is Geberit’s only distribution centre in the UK, working with its Warwick sales office, and sits close to Alsager.
2018 November Wain Homes name the site Lawton Green and describe the development on their website "In the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Lawton Green is a superb new development of 4 & 5 bedroom stunning detached family homes and luxury 2 bedroom apartments, situated in the small market town of Alsager, located just 7 miles east of Crewe and 10 miles north-west of Stoke-on-Trent." Wain Homes> https://www.wainhomes.net/developments/Lawton+Green+-+Cheshire/
2018/2019 Twyford Bathroom's status as a Royal Warrant Holder is lost. "Why might a company or individual lose a Royal Warrant? The quality of the product or service is not up to standard. The product or service is no longer manufactured or available. The goods or services are no longer required, or orders have dwindled. The business stops trading. The company goes into liquidation or is declared bankrupt. There is a significant change in the control or ownership of the Royal Warrant-holding company."
2019 July "Alsager set for dementia facility in former office"
"Lagan Developments has completed the freehold sale of a 32,000 sq ft former office at Linley Point, Alsager, to Seddon Construction, which will start shortly on the conversion of the building into a specialist dementia care facility. The former headquarters of Twyfords Bathrooms has planning permission to be turned into accommodation for 70 residents. P4 Planning secured full planning approval for the conversion, after the change of use application was unanimously approved at committee by Cheshire East Council. The scheme will include en-suite bedrooms, dining areas, a cinema, hairdressers, laundry, library, café and external terrace." Information courtesy: North West Place
https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/alsager-set-for-dementia-facility-in-former-office/ "The project is due to complete early 2020."
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| Originally Twyfords Offices, opened in 1992 Now Linley Point Dementia Facility, Alsager, 2019 |
2019 August Work starts on converting 32,000 sq ft Twyfords offices to a new 70 bed dementia care facility. Seddon Construction begin stripping out existing interiors.
2019 October Work continues, stripping out existing interior walls and building in new drainage.
2019 November Erection of new interior walls starts. Existing windows removed and replaced.
2020 January New underfloor heating installed.
2020 March Huge progress with individual apartments being progressed and sample finished room made available.
2020 June Carpets laid and opening announced on Facebook
"Opening in July 2020, Twyford House will provide residents with the highest standard of care and the very best in supported, luxury living."
"Twyford House Luxury Care Centre is feeling delighted. Lovett Care are delighted to announce that, following a short delay, Twyford House will be opening in July. The team are really excited to welcome visitors to see our beautiful home. 😊 We wish our local community all the very best and we look forward to seeing you all soon. Take care and stay safe! 💛 "
3D Virtual Tour
2024 May Sainsbury's want to build, again
"Sainsbury's to create 100 jobs with new store on old pottery factory. The new supermarket in Alsager includes an in-store Argos. The go-ahead has been given to revised plans for a Sainsbury’s store in Alsager which will create about 100 new jobs. The supermarket giant secured permission for the new store on the site of the former Twyford Bathrooms off Linley Lane in 2014 but it never materialised. Yesterday (Wednesday), Cheshire East’s strategic planning board took less than 20 minutes to unanimously approve a revised application for the scheme, which will also include an in-store Argos." Information courtesy of StokeonTrentLive