Whilst our commitment to quality has never faltered over the years, the way in which we approach the manufacturing process has significantly progressed.

We have one of the most advanced timber window and door factories in the UK which has been designed to provide high levels of customisation throughout the manufacturing process. In pushing the boundaries of product design and performance, we are committed to a product testing programme, so much so that we’ve recently invested in a Research & Development Test Centre.

We are truly passionate about what we do as the following timeline, highlighting our key milestones over the years, illustrates:

1884

George Barnsdale

The business was started in 1884 when George Barnsdale opened a small carpentry firm, which soon built a reputation on quality craftsmanship.

1918

Walter & Frederick Barnsdale

Soon after the First World War, George’s two sons Walter and Fred joined the business.

1920 - 1939

British Standard Development

Between the wars Fred was involved in the development of BS 664 (British Standard for Timber Windows). During this time both Walter and Fred championed a modern joinery factory with the latest steam powered machines (the factory was steam powered until 1934).

1945

John Barnsdale

The business did manage to keep trading during the turbulent times of the Second World War but was very much scaled down. After the war Fred’s son John joined the business.

1985

Helen & Stephen Wright

When John was at retirement in 1985, his daughter Helen and her husband Stephen joined the management team. It was Stephen that brought product performance to the forefront.

1990

CAD

We were the first joinery company in the UK to introduce CAD.

1998

CNC Machine

We were the first joinery company to install a CNC machine.

2006

British Woodworking Federation

Stephen was president of the BWF for a two year period (2005 to 2007). During this time he contributed to industry regulation and standards.

2007

Tom Wright

Helen and Stephen’s son Tom joined the business in 2006 with the remit to build on product performance through the development of the manufacturing process. It was in this year that a fully integrated software system was introduced.

2007

Windowline

A fully integrated Windowline was introduced.

2012

Robotic Paint Line

As part of our advanced coating timber, a robotic paintline was introduced.

2014 - 2016

SERVOWOOD

Stephen was one of the two UK representatives on SERVWOOD, an EU funded project that has sought to establish European Standards for exterior wood coatings.

2017

Research & Development Test Centre

We use testing to help us consistently deliver on our promise of premium, high performance timber windows and doors that provide long life with low maintenance. The R&D Test Centre allows us to test our windows and doors for air and water penetration, durability and wind and loading strength. In addition to our own test centre, we remain committed to using UKAS accredited, third party test houses.