A LANCASHIRE family firm which has been working with farmers for
generations is celebrating its centenary.
J Wareing & Son (Wrea Green) Ltd has grown from humble beginnings in 1909 to become one of the leading suppliers of custom-built steel frame buildings to the agricultural sector.
The iconic label ’Wareing Wrea Green’ is a familiar sight on farm buildings throughout the UK and is synonymous with the Lancashire village where the company was originally founded.
Today, the fourth generation family firm has a multi-million pound turnover and employs a team of 70 members of staff at its new purpose built 10-acre production site.
Clients include the Duchy of Lancaster, Myerscough College, the University of Cumbria (Newton Rigg campus) and United Utilities (Farms); the firm also has a strong customer base among farmers in Lancashire, Cumbria, Yorkshire and throughout the UK.
Brothers Peter and Andrew Wareing who manage the firm with their respective children, have been working with farmers ever since they joined the family firm at the age of 15.
Peter explained: "As a family business, we’ve worked with generations of farming families and have established many long and happy friendships.
"Our history is very much the history of farming – over the years we have had the flexibility to adapt to the needs of a changing industry.
Andrew commented: "In the early days, we were supplying farmers with buildings for a variety of agricultural purposes but only in the local area."
"At the time it wasn’t feasible for our teams to travel long distances to erect buildings. But in 1964 we were asked to supply steel frame buildings in kit format so farmers could arrange the build themselves; today we send steel frame kits to destinations throughout the UK and even as far as the Falkland Islands!"
The firm offers an extensive range of services, from providing steel frame buildings in kit form, to a full design and build ’turnkey’ package for a wide range of applications including farm buildings, business premises, leisure facilities, schools and all are fully Health & Safety compliant.
They provide bespoke joinery services including timber stables. They also will undertake re-cladding services and disposal of semi or fully-compressed Asbestos.
Peter added: "Flexibility has been the key to our success as we are capable of manufacturing any type or size of building to suit each individual customer’s requirement from portal frames to extensions and lean-tos."
George Dixon, of Low Newton at Newton-in-Cartmell, Cumbria, who purchased the first kit building from Wareing Buildings, said: "It’s over 40 years since I purchased a kit form building from J Wareing & Sons which is still in use today. I would like to take this opportunity to express my satisfaction and wish Wareing Buildings continued success in their centenary year.’’
During its 100 years, the firm has employed a loyal team of highly skilled staff many of whom have been with the firm for 25 years and several over 50 years.
Wareing Buildings: A Potted History
Wareing Buildings dates back to 1909 when it was started by brothers George and Jim as wheelwrights and joiners at Smithy Fold in the heart of Wrea Green.
Jim’s son Harry got involved in the business during the 1930s and later managed the business with his wife Phyllis. In 1960, the business was made a limited company and became known as J Wareing & Son, Wrea Green Ltd; this name is still retained today.
In the mid 1970s as the business expanded the company purchased Brook Corn Mill, Wrea Green, where manufacturing took place until the company relocated to Whinbrick Works, the company now runs it as Brook Mill Industrial Estate.
In 2005, the firm relocated to new purpose-built premises just a few miles from Wrea Green at Whinbrick Works, Blackpool Road, Kirkham.
Today the firm is led by brothers, Peter and Andrew Wareing and their respective children: Robin, Sally, Neil, Christopher and Richard.
Recent projects include: Awdes, Broadmeadow Farm; United Utilities Deepdough, Crowden and Hollingworth Sheep Unit; Coulthursts free range poultry unit; Withgill Farm dairy unit and Paythornes Riding School.
All case studies are available on the website. www.wareingbuildings.co.uk
Wareing Buildings, Whinbrick Works, Blackpool Road, Kirkham, Lancashire, PR4 2RJ.
