A Brief History of James Gibbons Format:
It’s 1670 in Wolverhampton UK; James Gibbons set up a workshop to manufacture locks and keys, little did he know at that time that his exquisite craftsmanship would establish a reputation amongst leading British architects such as Sir Christopher Wren.
The business would steadily but progressively develop under eight future generations of the family.
The ‘oldest established lock maker in Britain’ not only produced locks and keys but diversified into the manufacture of a vast range of products including architectural metalwork, examples of which can be found in the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the famous musical clock outside Fortnum and Mason in London.
Over the decades, The Company responded to the changing architectural trends and demands of the 20th century with the formation of James Gibbons Format Limited. Combining the quality of the past with modern vision, the company developed the ‘Format’ range of architectural ironmongery.
Established Since 1670
In 1981 the Company was acquired by the Newship Group and after 40 years remains part of this successful private enterprise – a testament to longevity and commitment to the Format brand.
Having been based in Wolverhampton for over 300 years, we moved to our current home in 2018, alongside Bennetts Ironmongery at Stores Road in Derby to create a purpose-built logistics centre and administration facility for both companies.
Where we are now:
Format continues to produce exceptional Architectural Ironmongery and thrives both in the UK and International Markets regularly exporting to our exclusive distributor base across the Middle East, Far East, the Caribbean and numerous other countries worldwide.
Previous work has included notable UK projects from The Barbican Centre and The Old Bailey in London to the Channel Tunnel and The Ink Factory at the Bank Of England. Latterly, we have supplied Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Internationally, our products have enhanced buildings from the 1970’s including Changi Airport (Singapore), The Kuwait Stock Exchange, the Sultan of Oman’s Palace, The Prime Minsters Office Complex Brunei, World Trade Centres in Qatar and Bahrain and Defence establishments across the Middle East.
Some of our discerning overseas clients include Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar (Hospitals and Clinics), Ashgal Qatar, Mass Transit Rail (MTR) Hong Kong, Ritz Carlton Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group, ADNOC Abu Dhabi, Royal Saudi Airforce and Royal Court of Affairs Oman.
If you are looking for inspiration or in need of a helping hand with your ironmongery selection, please do get in touch, we’re here for you.
We live, breathe and sleep ironmongery – it’s a healthy obsession….
Where we are now:
Format continues to produce exceptional Architectural Ironmongery and thrives both in the UK and International Markets regularly exporting to our exclusive distributor base across the Middle East, Far East, the Caribbean and numerous other countries worldwide.
Previous work has included notable UK projects from The Barbican Centre and The Old Bailey in London to the Channel Tunnel and The Ink Factory at the Bank Of England. Latterly, we have supplied Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Internationally, our products have enhanced buildings from the 1970’s including Changi Airport (Singapore), The Kuwait Stock Exchange, the Sultan of Oman’s Palace, The Prime Minsters Office Complex Brunei, World Trade Centres in Qatar and Bahrain and Defence establishments across the Middle East.
Some of our discerning overseas clients include Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar (Hospitals and Clinics), Ashgal Qatar, Mass Transit Rail (MTR) Hong Kong, Ritz Carlton Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group, ADNOC Abu Dhabi, Royal Saudi Airforce and Royal Court of Affairs Oman.
If you are looking for inspiration or in need of a helping hand with your ironmongery selection, please do get in touch, we’re here for you.
We live, breathe and sleep ironmongery – it’s a healthy obsession….
Master Key opportunities:
We schedule and supply bespoke master key control systems for our clients. Whether this is for a small office building or an airbase with complex multiple levels of key control, we have systems available to suit your needs and security requirements.
Throughout our history, we have provided such systems to numerous buildings. From hospitals, airports and schools to hotels, airbases and historic buildings in the UK and overseas.
And we continue to provide replacement locks and keys to the end-users for many of these buildings today.
Our Team:
We have a dedicated team of GAI diploma qualified staff giving our customers peace of mind that their specifications are being created and checked by professionals who are fully proficient with current standards in fire, access and security.
Our qualified and experienced staff will guide and advise you for the duration of your projects.
Accreditations and Memberships
