Celebrating 140 years of handle and architectural ironmongery manufacture

Handle and architectural ironmongery manufacturer Crofts & Assinder has celebrated 140 years’ trading.

Established in 1875 by brothers-in-law George Crofts and Frederick Assinder, the Birmingham-based business now sells to architects, furniture manufacturers and retailers in the UK and overseas.

The company originally set up as a brass founder and seven years it later moved to larger premises, its home for 20 years. In 1901, Crofts & Assinder moved to its present site in Digbeth.

Sponsored Video

Quarter sawn Tulipwood

Its products have been used in landmark buildings, such as The Waldorf, Ritz Hotel and in ships belonging to Cunard and White Star Line, including The RMS Titanic.

During the World Wars, the business made metal casings for radio sets for ships and aircraft.

Company chairman and great-grandson of co-founder George Crofts, Guy Crofts commented: “My great-grandfather had a clear vision to produce, in his words, ‘what the best-dressed furniture is wearing’, and make sure the business kept its values and craftsmanship at the heart of production.

“I am so proud that 140 years on, we are still making sure that vision is at the forefront of everything we do.”

The company has recently launched around 300 products, including expanding its business into architectural ironmongery for home and marine craft and has seen a 40% increase in exports.

Chief executive Alex Crofts, the great-great grandson of founder George Crofts, commented: “I am delighted to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Crofts & Assinder. We have come such a long way and we are proud to celebrate our success in the UK.

“Our aspirations for the future are to significantly invest into product design and modern day technology in order to strengthen the business, both in the UK and on an international scale.”