J & A Kay began life in 1946 and was incorporated as a limited company in 1957.
Take a look at our history and background below:
COVID-19 Principle Risk Assessments for J & A Kay Ltd.
J & A Kay began life in 1946 and was incorporated as a limited company in 1957.
Take a look at our history and background below:
Returning from the war, Joe Kay with his wife, Annie, decided to support their young family with the skill and artistry of Joe’s own fair hands. The mix of his skill as an engraver and the establishment in Darwen of ICI “Perspex” provided the catalyst - J & A Kay was in business.
The journey began in 1946, with engraving by hand, this was soon supplemented by machine engraving. In 1962, the company needed larger premises and the first building at “Cotton Hall” was acquired. When sign-making eclipsed engraving as the main activity, more factory space was bought adjoining the original and the first crude thermoforming steps were taken.
In 1959, Bill, the eldest of Joe and Annie’s three sons, joined the business, engraving like his father. Joe, the second son, joined in 1962 and developed the early plastic forming processes. In 1978, David, the current MD joined the company,
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, thermoforming developed to become the principle company activity. More production space was built, employment grew, ovens, presses and specialist vacuum forming machines were installed, and the customer base expanded to encompass some of the UK’s leading companies.
With investment in excess of £1.5m, our floor area is now over 37,000 sq ft.
Increased storage for tooling & materials, plus new thermoforming and finishing equipment, makes us well placed for future challenges.
We do not stand still!
Now a third generation business, the company has a highly experienced and well established Management Team, committed to customer service and continued innovation.
J&A Kay has also grown into a family of businesses. In addition to our core activity of plastic forming and fabrication, we have two divisions;
Plastic Sheets, dedicated to the supply of sheet and decorative laminates in the UK and Europe.
And Spandex SignSystem Centre dedicated to supporting the UK sign trade.