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Compton Buildings is 50 years old

Compton Buildings reached the landmark age of 50 on the 12th November 2008.

Compton Buildings History So Far 1958-2008:

Compton Buildings have been manufacturing products from the site at Fenny Compton since being founded by Cyril Kyme on 12th November 1958. Compton has since built more concrete garages than any other company, providing valuable extra storage space and a new home for the car to over 500,000 customers,

The main focus of the business in the early days was coal bunkers, complimented by a limited range of garages. Other products produced over the years include wrought iron gates and garden furniture, compost bins, conservatories and safes.

In the 1970s there were two major fires, both caused by electrical faults. The first destroyed the mould shop where the then popular Keystone range of garages was manufactured. As a consequence the Keystone range was significantly rationalised as all moulds and formers used to make the moulds were destroyed.

The second fire completely destroyed the stores, which was situated where the loading bay currently is. This caused major problems to distribution as it was not only the storage area but where all the kits of parts were prepared.

Compton Buildings have subsequently built strong relationships with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, winning the ‘Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service Community Gold Award’ in 2006 for allowing four employees to be retained Fire Fighters based at Fenny Compton Fire Station.

The bottom floor of the main office block was built in 1960. The top floor was added in 1971. The offices are still being used today, but are very different inside with computer monitors at every desk rather than the ash trays found within the haze created by the smoking staff puffing away as they worked.

In 2005, Compton was bought by its current owners Marshalls plc, the UK's leading manufacturer of concrete hard landscaping products. Around 150 people currently work for Compton, mostly based at the Fenny Compton site - these include several who have been with the company for over 40 years!

Designs of products and working conditions have frequently changed for the better throughout its history. However, Compton Building’s ranges of Compton concrete garages, Alton cedar greenhouses and Robinsons aluminium greenhouses are still proving popular with customers throughout the UK thanks to a strong culture of manufacturing quality products backed by excellent customer service.