Formed in 1973 by Norman Williams, NL Williams Engineering has grown to reflect its founders unique foresight and business acumen. Family owned and run, the company has evolved to remain at the forefront of an ever changing industrial market.
Norman, a plater, welder and blacksmith by trade, identified a need for the manufacture of high quality, durable oil storage tanks in response to the emerging market of domestic oil central heating systems. Thus, NL Williams Engineering was born.
Ever the entrepreneur, Normal expanded his newly formed company's product range to include the manufacture of shaped radiators to fit bay windows. The success of his business and its innovative products and services were soon in great demand. Word spread, the company grew and before long the business diversified into other areas of engineering, such as power generation with the manufacture of aluminium buzz bars.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Norman continued to develop his company overseeing a steady growth in the business. To facilitate the expansion of the company, NL Williams Engineering moved in 1977 to a purpose build factory situated on a two acre site to accommodate future development. The newly built factory has been the base of operations for the company ever since, rebuilt in 2004 honouring Norman's memory after a devastating fire – a phoenix from the ashes.
Building on its existing success, the company branched out into the manufacture, repair and refurbishment of bridge components. An essential part of this work was the need to source professional blast cleaning and protective treatment services. Norman, relishing a challenge, rose to the occasion and created an additional part of the business specialising in these areas of production. By bringing such services in house under the NL Williams umbrella, Norman could ensure adherence to strict quality assurance standards – a characteristic upon which his growing reputation for superior workmanship was built.
The growth of the company in blast cleaning and protective coatings was a fortuitous move, as domestic oil heating systems were being replaced by gas central heating and the previously productive area of power generation was experiencing a downturn. Always ahead of the curve, Norman's venture into new production areas was a resounding success, and the business went from strength to strength. These elements of production still form an important core division of the current business.
The 1990's introduced a company name change to NL Williams Group, reflecting the company's continued growth and expansion into new market opportunities. During this period, Permadeck Systems was set up within the NL Williams Group as an independently operating division concentrating on the underfoot safety market. Since its inception, Permadeck Systems has developed a reputation as a market leader in the supply and installation of stair nosings and treads, anti-slip safety tapes, and slip resistant surfacing systems. Permadeck Systems continued growth is a direct response to increased market awareness and changes in legislation, specifically with regards to the Disability Discrimination Act. Permadeck Systems now carries an unrivalled range of DDA compliant products including tactile warnings and newly designed stair nosings.
Today NL Williams Group operates through four interdependent divisions. Our aim, building on Norman's insightful legacy, is to identify clear business areas that are able to function independently offering quality products and services, or in combination form part of a diverse range of turnkey products and services to our valued clients.
The history of NL Williams Group, a constant work in progress, is still being written.
