Peglers

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

Established 1899

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.

Expansion

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.

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.

Wartime Production

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.

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.

Rebirth

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.

Fire

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.

New Beginnings

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.

Pegler Yorkshire

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.

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

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

Sources of Information

• [1] Peglers Website
• 1937 British Industries Fair Advert p536; and p400