Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

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Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 167,717 pages of information and 247,131 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 147,919 pages of information and 233,587 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

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[[Image:Im1938BIF-Peglers.jpg|thumb| 1938.]]
[[Image:Im1950BIF7-Peglers.jpg|thumb| 1950. ]]
[[Image:Im195009Pl-Peg.jpg|thumb| September 1950. Prestex compression joints. ]]
‎‎[[Image:Im1951Benn-Pegler.jpg|thumb| 1951. ]]
[[image:Im195210HVE-Peglers.jpg |thumb| October 1952.]]
[[Image:Im1957BEx-Peglers.jpg|thumb| November 1957.]]
[[Image:Im19680308En-Peglers.jpg|thumb| March 1968. ]]
[[image:Im1969EnV229-p0724Peglers.jpg |thumb| 1969.]]
[[image:Im1969v229-p0821Peglers.jpg |thumb| 1969.]]
[[image:Im1969v229-p1016Peglers.jpg |thumb| 1969.]]
[[image:Im197305Eg-Peglers.jpg |thumb|1973.]]
[[image:Im197312B-Peglers.jpg |thumb|1973.]]
[[image:Im197301EgB-Peglers.jpg |thumb|1973.]]
of Belmont Works, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Telephone: Doncaster 1993.  Telegraphic Address: "Pegler, Doncaster".  Also at Southwark Street, London, SE1
of Belmont Works, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Telephone: Doncaster 1993.  Telegraphic Address: "Pegler, Doncaster".  Also at Southwark Street, London, SE1


Established 1899
Manufacturer of taps and fittings for plumbing and sanitary engineers, steam, hot water and mechanical engineers.
 
1899 [[Francis Pegler|Frank Pegler]] inherited the [[Northern Rubber Co]] but he was keen to expand the business. He had already started a merchant company in Glasgow. He met [[Fred Birchall]], who had gained experience as a brass founder, starting work aged 13 at the [[Woodhouse, Osborne and Co|Hexthorpe Brass and Iron works]] in Doncaster, and rose through the ranks to become Manager and then went to work for brass founders Mckay in Glasgow. Frank agreed to put up the money for Fred to start a new operation to supply his merchandising company. [[Pegler Brothers and Co]] was established.
 
Using the latest methods at the time '''Peglers''' soon expanded from manufacturing products for the steam industry to manufacturing other complex valves. One of the catalysts for this expansion was the screw down tap. The tap was invented in 1845 but had not been successfully mass-produced before '''Pegler''''s inception.
 
1904 The increased production soon meant that Peglers needed to increase the size of the factory. Land was bought at Balby and, in 1904, the Belmont works were built. These works are still at the heart of Pegler's modern seven acre site.
 
1913 Fred Birchall wanted to have the most advanced factory in the country and took a trip to the United States in order to look at, what was then, the world's most advanced manufacturing companies. On his return he introduced revolutionary manufacturing techniques such as the capstan lathe and the pneumatic chuck.
 
1914 Incorporated as a private company: [[Pegler Brothers and Co|Pegler Brothers and Co (Doncaster)]]
 
WWI. Peglers switched to making shell fuses and shell sockets.  A new subsidiary, [[Yorkshire Aeroplane Co]] was registered in 1916 but only completed its first [[Sopwith]] fighter plane in 1918.


After the war the factory resumed production of water fittings, steam and radiator valves with even more technically advanced production methods being introduced.  Steam power replaced by electric power. A more sophisticated quality control system was introduced and carefully designed packaging brought products to customers in perfect condition - a concept well ahead of its time.


1932 The company was renamed [[Peglers]] Ltd.


Frank Pegler and Fred Birchall. Frank had inherited the Northern Rubber Company however he was keen to expand the business and had already started a merchant company in Glasgow by the time he met Fred Birchall. Fred had gained experience as a brass founder starting work aged 13 at the Hexthorpe Brass and Iron works in Doncaster. He rose through the ranks to become Manager and then went to work for brass founders Mckay in Glasgow. Frank agreed to put up the money for Fred to start a new operation to supply his merchandising company.
1935 '''Peglers Ltd''' was floated as a public company<ref>The Times, Oct 10, 1935</ref>


Expansion
1935 The company's 200 foot chimney was erected.


Using the latest methods at the time Pegler soon expanded from manufacturing products for the steam industry to manufacturing other complex valves. One of the catalysts for this expansion was the screw down tap. The tap was invented in 1845 but had not been successfully mass-produced before Pegler's inception.  
1937 British Industries Fair Advert for Bath Mixer and Shower and Sink Mixer. (Building, General Heating and Cooking Section - Stand No. B.521) <ref>[[1937 British Industries Fair]] Advert p536; and p400</ref>


The increased production soon meant that Pegler needed to increase the size of their factory. Land was bought at Balby and in 1904 the Belmont works were built. These works are still at the heart of Pegler's modern seven acre site. Fred Birchall wanted to have the most advanced factory in the country and in 1913 took a trip to the United States in order to look at, what was then, the world's most advanced manufacturing companies. On his return he introduced revolutionary manufacturing techniques such as the capstan lathe and the pneumatic chuck.  
WWII. The Second World War saw '''Pegler''' put their advanced production techniques into the war effort, making brass shells, fuses and valves and taps for military use. 6,000 '''Pegler''' taps were used on the [[HMS Ark Royal|Ark Royal]] and there were contracts from [[Rolls-Royce]] and [[Vickers]]. Over 2000 employees were engaged in the '''Pegler''' war effort.  


Wartime Production
Post-WWII. After the war, '''Pegler''''s output was further boosted by the massive rebuilding programme.


During the first world war Pegler (now registered as a private limited company) completely switched production to Sopwith fighter planes. After the war the factory resumed production of water fittings, steam and radiator valves with even more technically advanced production methods being introduced.Steam power replaced by electric power. A more sophisticated quality control system was introduced and carefully designed packaging brought products to customers in perfect condition. A concept well ahead of it's time. In 1932 the public company was floated as Peglers Ltd. In 1935 the companies 200 foot chimney was erected.
1946 Started making plastic components


World War Two saw Pegler put their advanced production techniques into the war effort, making brass shells, fuses and valves and taps for military use. 6,000 Pegler taps were used on the Ark Royal and there were contracts from Rolls Royce and Vickers. Over 2000 employees were engaged in the Pegler war effort.  
1947 Fred Birchall retired age 77.  


Rebirth
1950s/60s. Over the '50s and '60s, '''Pegler''' expanded by acquiring companies in the UK and abroad.


After the war Pegler's output was further boosted by the massive rebuilding programme. In 1947 Fred Birchall retired age 77. Over the 50's and 60's Pegler expanded acquiring companies in the UK and abroard. The height of this expansion was the merger of Pegler with Hattersley holdings in 1968. In 1986 Tomkins Engineering Group bought this group of companies and de-merged the group.  
1953 Acquired [[Thomas Braddock and Co]], maker of gas meters and water heaters.


Fire
1956 Acquired Galt Brass Co of Canada<ref>The Times Jul 04, 1956</ref>


In 2002 a fire destroyed the chrome plating plant and several key pieces of automatic machining and assembly equipment. However due to the resilience and ingenuity of the workforce business was restored to its usual high standard within weeks ensuring that customers were not disappointed and business levels were maintained.
1957 Acquired [[Peter Marshall (Valves)]] of Nottingham


New Beginnings
1958 Acquired J. J. Braimbridge and Son, metal merchants of Hull


On August 26th 2005 the company was acquired by Aalberts Industries N.V. following a period of private ownership by the management team, thus opening up new opportunities across Europe for the business whilst securing long term stability and investment to the financial base of the business. Backed by a clear strategy in our continued commitment to new product development, leading technology capital investment, and world class logistics, Pegler is set to be at the forefront in servicing the needs of the plumbing and heating industry for many years to come. One hundred years has passed since the vision of Fred Birchall and the entrepreneurial spirit of Frank Pegler united to create the Pegler company and many of their traditional values still hold true. A commitment to improving the process of manufacture and quality in order to create better products at realistic prices still remains.
1959 Formed subsidiary [[Paragon Plastics]] to separate the plastic components activity from the rest of the business


Pegler Yorkshire
1959 Took over the [[Pegler and Louden]] subsidiary


On the 1st January 2007 Pegler joined forces with its sister company Yorkshire Fittings to face the market as a joint sales and marketing function under the banner Pegler Yorkshire. The combined operation boasts a sales team in excess of 50 people, making it one of the largest specification teams delivering business in the UK market.
1960 Acquired [[Mason Brothers (Smelters)]] of Dewsbury


1964 Acquired [[Midco Steam Specialties]] of Nottingham, making ferrous as well as non-ferrous valves and fittings


* 1937 British Industries Fair Advert for Bath Mixer and Shower and Sink Mixer. (Building, General Heating and Cooking Section - Stand No. B.521)
1965 Acquired [[Northern Rubber Co]]<ref>The Times, Jan 01, 1965</ref>
 
1966 Group restructed under a holding company
 
1967 Acquired [[Leigh Tool and Gauge Co]] of Blackpool
 
1968 The height of this expansion was the merger of '''Pegler''' with [[Hattersley (Ormskirk)|Hattersley Holdings]]; name was changed to [[Pegler-Hattersley]]<ref>The Times, Sep 12, 1968</ref>.
 
1986 [[F. H. Tomkins|Tomkins Engineering Group]] bought this group of companies.
 
2003 The business of [[Hayters|Hattersley Newman Hender]] was closed and the business transferred to fellow subsidiary [[Peglers]] Ltd<ref>2002 Annual report</ref>
 
2017 Pegler Yorkshire is part of the Flow Control division of Aalberts Industries.


* ''Note:'' (07/08)
* ''Note:'' (07/08)
** Peglers are still in Doncaster and have their own web site - see below.
** Peglers are still in Doncaster and have their own web site - see below.


== See Also ==
<what-links-here/>


== Sources of Information ==
== Sources of Information ==
* [http://www.pegler.co.uk/Homepage.aspx] Peglers Website
* [http://www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk/EN/Corporate/WhoArePeglerYorkshire] Pegler's Website
* [[1937 British Industries Fair]] Advert p536; and p400
<references/>
 
 
[[Category: Town - Doncaster]]
[[Category: Domestic Appliances]]
[[Category: Plumbing components]]
[[Category: Taps and Valves]]
[[Category:Aircraft Builders]]

Latest revision as of 10:05, 23 November 2022

1938.
1950.
September 1950. Prestex compression joints.

‎‎

1951.
October 1952.
November 1957.
March 1968.
1969.
1969.
1969.
1973.
1973.
1973.

of Belmont Works, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Telephone: Doncaster 1993. Telegraphic Address: "Pegler, Doncaster". Also at Southwark Street, London, SE1

Manufacturer of taps and fittings for plumbing and sanitary engineers, steam, hot water and mechanical engineers.

1899 Frank Pegler inherited the Northern Rubber Co but he was keen to expand the business. He had already started a merchant company in Glasgow. He met Fred Birchall, who had gained experience as a brass founder, starting work aged 13 at the Hexthorpe Brass and Iron works in Doncaster, and rose through the ranks to become Manager and then went to work for brass founders Mckay in Glasgow. Frank agreed to put up the money for Fred to start a new operation to supply his merchandising company. Pegler Brothers and Co was established.

Using the latest methods at the time Peglers soon expanded from manufacturing products for the steam industry to manufacturing other complex valves. One of the catalysts for this expansion was the screw down tap. The tap was invented in 1845 but had not been successfully mass-produced before Pegler's inception.

1904 The increased production soon meant that Peglers needed to increase the size of the factory. Land was bought at Balby and, in 1904, the Belmont works were built. These works are still at the heart of Pegler's modern seven acre site.

1913 Fred Birchall wanted to have the most advanced factory in the country and took a trip to the United States in order to look at, what was then, the world's most advanced manufacturing companies. On his return he introduced revolutionary manufacturing techniques such as the capstan lathe and the pneumatic chuck.

1914 Incorporated as a private company: Pegler Brothers and Co (Doncaster)

WWI. Peglers switched to making shell fuses and shell sockets. A new subsidiary, Yorkshire Aeroplane Co was registered in 1916 but only completed its first Sopwith fighter plane in 1918.

After the war the factory resumed production of water fittings, steam and radiator valves with even more technically advanced production methods being introduced. Steam power replaced by electric power. A more sophisticated quality control system was introduced and carefully designed packaging brought products to customers in perfect condition - a concept well ahead of its time.

1932 The company was renamed Peglers Ltd.

1935 Peglers Ltd was floated as a public company[1]

1935 The company's 200 foot chimney was erected.

1937 British Industries Fair Advert for Bath Mixer and Shower and Sink Mixer. (Building, General Heating and Cooking Section - Stand No. B.521) [2]

WWII. The Second World War saw Pegler put their advanced production techniques into the war effort, making brass shells, fuses and valves and taps for military use. 6,000 Pegler taps were used on the Ark Royal and there were contracts from Rolls-Royce and Vickers. Over 2000 employees were engaged in the Pegler war effort.

Post-WWII. After the war, Pegler's output was further boosted by the massive rebuilding programme.

1946 Started making plastic components

1947 Fred Birchall retired age 77.

1950s/60s. Over the '50s and '60s, Pegler expanded by acquiring companies in the UK and abroad.

1953 Acquired Thomas Braddock and Co, maker of gas meters and water heaters.

1956 Acquired Galt Brass Co of Canada[3]

1957 Acquired Peter Marshall (Valves) of Nottingham

1958 Acquired J. J. Braimbridge and Son, metal merchants of Hull

1959 Formed subsidiary Paragon Plastics to separate the plastic components activity from the rest of the business

1959 Took over the Pegler and Louden subsidiary

1960 Acquired Mason Brothers (Smelters) of Dewsbury

1964 Acquired Midco Steam Specialties of Nottingham, making ferrous as well as non-ferrous valves and fittings

1965 Acquired Northern Rubber Co[4]

1966 Group restructed under a holding company

1967 Acquired Leigh Tool and Gauge Co of Blackpool

1968 The height of this expansion was the merger of Pegler with Hattersley Holdings; name was changed to Pegler-Hattersley[5].

1986 Tomkins Engineering Group bought this group of companies.

2003 The business of Hattersley Newman Hender was closed and the business transferred to fellow subsidiary Peglers Ltd[6]

2017 Pegler Yorkshire is part of the Flow Control division of Aalberts Industries.

  • Note: (07/08)
    • Peglers are still in Doncaster and have their own web site - see below.

See Also

Loading...

Sources of Information

  • [1] Pegler's Website
  1. ↑ The Times, Oct 10, 1935
  2. ↑ 1937 British Industries Fair Advert p536; and p400
  3. ↑ The Times Jul 04, 1956
  4. ↑ The Times, Jan 01, 1965
  5. ↑ The Times, Sep 12, 1968
  6. ↑ 2002 Annual report
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