Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Limited has its roots in tradition, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Since its inception in 1939, Brown & Homes has met the challenges of some cataclysmic world events, adapting and evolving to become a leader in the delivery of precision machining and subcontract machining solutions.

The business was started in Coventry by Mr Brown and Mr Holmes, two ex-apprentices of Coventry Tool & Gauge, at the outbreak of the Second World War. Because they were a manufacturer and supported the defence effort, the company was soon advised to move away from the area, which was becoming a target for bombing raids.

The business relocated to Lullington Hall, just over the Staffordshire border, and stayed until 1945. From there, they moved to a small facility in Tamworth, colloquially referred to as Underneath the Arches, because of the distinctive and well-known railway arches nearby. After a few more moves, the business finally settled in an area called Rosy Cross in Tamworth.

Kevin Ward, the present joint-managing director, joined the business at that time. During the 40s and 50s, the main service of the business was predominantly gauge making, drawing on the experience of the two co-founders and capitalising on the needs of the wider manufacturing world.

In the 1960s, the company branched out into more manufacturing skills, working alongside Cincinnati Milicron, which had sites in Tamworth and Birmingham. Brown & Holmes expanded to manufacture special-purpose tooling, equipment, and components for machine tools.

Kevin Ward recalls, “Brown & Holmes faced many hurdles during these years and since then. In my own time with Brown & Homes, the company faced two very severe recessions, but the culture within the business was very much about steering the business through and supporting the staff as much as they could.”

 “In more recent times, my co-managing director Carl Baker and I have seen the company through the 2009 banking crisis, which was very hard on the business, and more recently, the Covid pandemic, which was an event no one could have prepared for. We’re very proud of the fact that throughout these challenges, we didn’t lose a single member of staff.”

When Kevin and Carl took over the reins, it was with a lot of debt and very little in the order book. In fact, their first day as new managing directors started with an eviction notice. From that daunting start, Brown & Holmes now operates from 2 sites in Tamworth and a further facility in Derby with 70 employees.

Today, Brown & Holmes designs and manufactures work holding and production solutions, lifting equipment, and various other production aids. The company has also invested heavily in supporting its rapidly growing subcontract manufacturing facility.

The Derby site has diversified into electrical control cabinets, bringing a totally different skill set into the business and providing growth that is outstripping the workspace.

Brown & Holmes’s investment in technology goes hand in hand with customer demand to continually create leaner operations and drive costs down. They feel that it is a nominal part of creating as many production efficiencies as possible, but it is very carefully considered and brought in for the right reasons and within the right partnership. Their primary motivation is that technology enhances and compliments the business so that they continue to increase their level of performance and output.

No doubt, the world will continue to change and challenge Brown & Holmes, but the company can look to the future with confidence that comes from a solid foundation. Adapting and exploring new technologies and skills that will allow them to meet the needs of their clients whilst staying true to the values that have seen them through their history. A blend of tradition and innovation that will set them apart and continue their success in years to come.

For more information about Brown and Holmes (Tamworth) Limited, please get in touch on: 01827 63591