Here at Frame Fast, we are based in Derby – a city that’s renowned for its manufacturing heritage.
From it’s manufacturing past, Derby remains rich in industrial craftmanship and workmanship, and we are so proud to be part of this business excellence.
We set up in 1997 and have since become the region’s largest trade manufacturer of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.
During this time, we have developed our manufacturing expertise, expanded our state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Derby, and invested in leading specialist technology – all of which has helped us to become two-time Manufacturer of the Year at the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards. Both awards were judged by Rolls-Royce – one of Derby’s leading engineering companies.
Being established in Derby has been important to our success, and to celebrate, we though we’d take a look back in time at our city’s fantastic industrial heritage, and how the past has paved the way to make Derby the manufacturing giant that it is today.
World Heritage
Derby’s manufacturing history can be traced back for hundreds of years, however our pivotal heritage starts in the 18th century, with the Industrial Revolution.
Derbyshire lead the way for industrialisation, with technological innovations that helped to revolutionise manufacturing processes, that ultimately helped Great Britain to become world leaders in manufacturing.
Across the county, this heritage is now captured through the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 15-mile stretch along the river, from The Silk Mill in Derby, through to Arkwright’s Cromford Mills.
The Silk Mill
Remarkably, The Silk Mill in Derby is thought to be the world’s first factory.
Built in 1717 by John Lombe and George Sorocold, The Silk Mill is the world’s first water-powered silk mill and is where waterpower by the Derwent River was first successfully used for textile production.
Today, the mill is undergoing a regeneration project to preserve its history and continue its legacy by becoming the ‘Museum of Making’. The opening is set for 2020.
Arkwright’s Cromford Mills
The Arkwright Mills in Cromford are known as the birthplace of the factory system. The mills were built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, the leading entrepreneur and inventor during the Industrial Revolution.
Most famously, Arkwright’s Cromford Mills was the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill, which lead the growth of the British cotton industry.
A great fact about the mill houses is the windows in the upper floors were made much bigger as the seamstresses needed extra light for their intricate work!
You can find out lots more about the mills in Pubs, Ponds and Power the Story of the Village documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bsrqky
Cromford – the world’s first industrial village
As Sir Richard Arkwright revolutionised the cotton industry with the Cromford Mills, he helped to transform the surrounding village of Cromford into a thriving community.
Cromford was the first industrial village, formed by Arkwright to provide industrial housing that would ultimately attract workers to jobs in his new mills.
The ‘Rolls Royce’ of engineering
Fast forward over a century, and we see the beginning of Derby’s beloved Rolls-Royce.
Now a key part of Derby’s manufacturing heritage, Rolls-Royce began as a humble electrical and mechanical business, established by Henry Royce in 1884.
Henry Royce built his first motor car in 1904, and with its success, partnered with Charles Rolls to form Rolls-Royce Limited.
The Rolls-Royce company grew into the world’s leading luxury car and aero-engine manufacturing business, and to this day, it still leads the way in engineering excellence across the globe.
To celebrate Henry Royce’s legacy, a blue plaque was erected at his former residence in Quarndon in his honour.
Modern manufacturing in Derby
Today, Derby remains at the heart of the industry and is home to hundreds of leading manufacturers.
Rolls-Royce still prospers in Derby as Rolls-Royce Holdings – leading manufacturing in civil aerospace, defence and power systems.
Vehicle manufacturing is thriving thanks to Toyota, with its vehicle manufacturing operations in Burnaston, Derbyshire.
And, here at Frame Fast, we’re contributing to the city’s manufacturing excellence as leading fabricators of glass & glazing, windows, doors and conservatories.
We’re so grateful to be part of Derby’s industrial heritage and look forward to seeing what the future of manufacturing has to offer.