Arkrite Fencing reaches half century landmark
The year 1973 was a formative one. The Paris Peace Accord was signed that ended the Vietnam War and the UK joined the EEC, later to become the European Union. How times change!
Meanwhile, in a corner of Staffordshire just 20 miles from Birmingham, three entrepreneurs were taking their first steps in business.
So began the story of Cannock-based Arkrite Fencing which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Director Julie Jones takes up that story: “The business was founded in November 1973 by three partners in Thomas Timmins, Bryan Benton and William Harrison. After a few years William left the company leaving Thomas and Bryan along with their wives Sylvia and Dulcie.
“Bryan and Dulcie left the company due to ill health in 1991 and, at that point, Thomas’s wife Sylvia was appointed director.”
Julie, Thomas’s daughter, joined the business in 1979 assuming the role of Office Manager.
Julie went on: “My brother Craig came on board in 1993 after doing a welding and fabrication course. Both Craig and I were appointed directors in 2012.
“Arkrite Fencing started out in a small unit on Progress Drive in Cannock. After a few years, as the business grew and the number of employees increased, we moved to larger premises in nearby Aldridge. After a few years two small units became available on Progress Drive where the company first started out. At this point there were about 20 employees working in the 2 units.
“In 1993 a factory unit, offices and yard became available on Progress Drive and that is where we are to this day,” she added.
Arkrite Fencing manufactures and supplies steel security fencing and gates to contractors.
“We manufacture ball courts and sports fencing to leisure centres, schools and colleges as well as security fencing. Today the company has a first class reputation when it comes to manufacturing and supplying all fencing types throughout the UK and beyond.
“We have manufactured fencing, tennis courts and ball courts for many celebrities including Madonna, Wayne Rooney, John Bishop, Steve Coogan, Andy Murray and many more. We also manufactured the hockey pitches for the London Olympics and fencing for numerous Premier League football clubs.
“We have a fleet of three vehicles that allow us to deliver all over the country and have also produced work for export to Jersey in the Channel Islands and America,” added Julie.
The company currently employs 12 staff in their workshop.
Sadly, earlier this year, founder Thomas Timmins passed away leaving his wife Sylvia to run the business alongside Julie and Craig.
Julie concluded: “My father was always fiercely proud of Arkrite Fencing and our employees, both past and present. We have a good team who all contribute to making Arkrite the success it is.
“Throughout my father’s life in business, he always delivered a personal, knowledgeable service together with a solid commitment to quality and professionalism.
“We all have a passion for the business and our goal is to continue growing the reputation that my father built by offering a first-class service to our customers,” concluded Julie.
The secret to Arkrite Fencing’s longevity is plain and simple. It’s Tom Timmins who, over the course of half a century, became a legend in the fencing industry. History continues to be made by Sylvia, Julie, Craig and their hard-working team!
Arkrite Fencing 01543 577677