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Our Heritage

Celebrating a family manufacturing history of 150 years.

1847
Reuben Clifford founder

Reuben Clifford, who would become the first generation of the Clifford family to manufacture in Willenhall, is born in the Nechells area of Birmingham.

1868
Founders of Croft

R. Clifford and Sons, manufacturers of Builders Hardware and Ships Brassfoundry, begin trading in Wolverhampton Street, Willenhall.

1899
UK run family business

Clifford Brothers is founded in Little Wood Street, Willenhall. Formed by Reubens four sons Charles, Alfred, John and Albert and starting the 2nd generation of the family business.

1908
Croft UK manufacturers Croft's heritage and expansion

Booming business leads to a new factory being built in Villiers Street, Willenhall. Clifford Brothers are now one of the leading producers of brass sash fittings in the country.

1910

Reuben Clifford dies on the 17th January aged sixty three.

1912
Croft's patent approval

Patents are acquired for a number of products, including letter plates and a postal knocker. Adding to the patent acquired for a sash fastener in 1908.

1914
Clifford brothers fight in World War 1

First World War. Items are manufactured to help with the war effort. Various employees, including the sons of the founders of Clifford Brothers, go off to fight for their country.

1930
3rd generation Clifford Brothers

Reuben Clifford, named after his Grandfather and now third generation, joins Clifford Brothers.

1932
Croft factory reborn after fire

A fire starts in the wood turning department and destroys the factory. The whole factory is rebuilt.

1939

Second World War. The factory again assists with the war effort as some employees go off to fight for their country.

1964

Chris Clifford, Reuben’s youngest son, joins the family business.

1972

Reuben leaves Clifford Brothers and set ups Permentra Metalware, manufacturing builder’s hardware at the Croft Yard, Croft Street, Willenhall.

1975
Croft name change

Permentra Metalware is renamed Croft Manufacturing Co.

1988
Croft Willenhall, England

Premises are acquired in Lower Lichfield Street, Willenhall where the company still is today.

1989
Croft 4th generation family Business

Chris Clifford, fourth generation and Great Grandson of Reuben Clifford Snr, becomes Managing Director of Croft.

1991

Croft purchase E. Whitehouse and Co, originally formed by Arthur and Charlie Clifford, who move in to the Lower Lichfield Street premises.

1993

Croft become a limited company, changing the name to Croft Architectural Hardware Ltd.

2013

The purchase of The Quality Lock Co. of Leve Lane, Willenhall is completed and now operating from the Lower Lichfield Street premises.

2017

Croft becomes a registered trademark of Croft Architectural Hardware Ltd.

Today
Croft British manufacturers

Croft continue to manufacture in the heart of England, with a team of 50 people at their 18,000 sq ft factory and a night-shift in operation. Directors Paul and Nick are the fifth generation of the Clifford family to work in the family business.