The Ash & Lacy name is synonymous with quality engineering and its history can be traced back to 1864, making it one of the oldest companies in the West Midlands.
Ash & Lacy Building Products Division was formed in 1989 with the launch of the AshFix range of fasteners & accessories. This was followed in 1991 by the development of AshGrid, the first spacer support system for built-up metal roofing and cladding. In the same year the lightweight metal framed AshJack over-roof conversion system was introduced again quickly becoming the market leader in flat-to-pitch roof conversion.
In 1995 the AshFab range of bespoke architectural fabrications was added to the Ash & Lacy product range and a branch in Glasgow was opened. With business growing by up to 50% per year the company set up a London depot in 1999 and in 2000 acquired the present site at Bromford Lane, creating 60,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing space and 10,000 sq. ft. of office space. 2000 also saw the launch of the AshTech rainscreen cladding system. In 2002 the company changed its name to Ash & Lacy Building Systems to more accurately reflect the growing product range followed closely by the formation of the Specification Division in early 2003 with the launch of the AshZip standing seam roofing system.
As a result of continued organic growth of the Fabrication business, the Glasgow branch was moved to larger premises in 2002. In 2006 the London Fabrication business was relocated from Kingston to a larger modern site in Chessington.
In July 2011, Ash & Lacy Building Systems was bought by Jonathan Evans. Jonathan and his team not only brought with them a successful track record and extensive knowledge of the industry, but also a new vision for Ash & Lacy’s future, of manufacturing excellence and unique engineering solutions through the introduction of new products.
Ash & Lacy and their customers immediately saw the positive effects and benefits from the acquisition and the company was to soon benefit from what was to be the largest capital investment in the company’s history. This investment was not only a major step forward in their supply capability, but also created a number of jobs in its local community.
2014, which marks Ash & Lacy’s 150th anniversary, holds further exciting capital investments which include factory process standardization and new manufacturing facilities that will again be a record-breaking investment for the company. This high level of investment has already reaped its rewards, as the company continues to go from strength to strength with their products featuring in award winning projects throughout the UK.
History Timeline
1857
Formed First Company – Joseph Ash
1864
Joined with John Pierce Lacy to form Ash & Lacy
1970
Ash & Lacy Steel Products Formed
1984
Flospan Buildings Developed and Launched. Dekex Fully Sealed Roof System Launched
1986
Continuous Composite Panel Line Introduced to Produce Kaltech Composite Panels
1989
Ash & Lacy Building Systems formed following sale of cladding business to Conder Group
1989
AshFix and AshGrid AG35 Launched
1991
AshJack & AshGrid AG40 Patented and Launched
1993
Move from Smethwick to Hill Top Industrial Estate
1995
Glasgow Branch Opened. Gem Fasteners Acquired. Fabrication products launched
1999
London Branch Opened
2000
Acquisition by Hill & Smith Holdings plc. Façade products launched
2003
Specification Division Formed. Standing seam products launched
2011
Acquisition by Jonathan Evans
2012
Introduction of state of the art production facility for the AshGrid bracket and bar system
2013
Capital investment, including an “Off Coil” processing facility and several new sets of fixings & screw assembly machines
2014
Debut new ventilation and solar shading system into Screen product range
2013
Success in two categories of the NFRC’s Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year and Winners of Vertical Cladding/Rainscreen Category in NFRC Roofing Awards