Peglers

‎‎

1951

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

• Established 1899.

• 1899 Frank Pegler and Fred Birchall founded the company. Frank had inherited the Northern Rubber Co but 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.

• 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.

• 1904 The increased production soon meant that Pegler 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.

• WWI. 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.

• 1932 The public company was floated as Peglers Ltd.

• 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)

• 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.

• 1947 Fred Birchall retired age 77.

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

• 1968 The height of this expansion was the merger of Pegler with Hattersley holdings.

• 1986 Tomkins Engineering Group bought this group of companies and de-merged the group.

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

Sources of Information

• [1] Peglers Website