History of Crosby Kitchens
1936
K Brody Ltd. a small company specialising in the manufacture of bedroom and dining furniture for supply to local builders is formed. As the business flourishes the builders begin to request kitchen furniture in addition to the products already supplied.
1957
Brody move to larger premises and the production of kitchen furniture for both local authority and private builders takes priority.
1966
The Brody set-up proves sufficiently attractive for the Hayshaw Group of Companies to negotiate their purchase.
1968
A new, purpose built factory is opened. The same year also sees the introduction of the ‘Eezipack’ self assembly unit, featuring a front and back frame construction with pre-hung doors.
1971/72
The Hayshaw Group is dissolved and K Brody Ltd. is placed under the care of merchant bankers Arbuthnot Latham until a suitable parent company is found.
1973
The Crosby Group of Companies, which had just joined the Montague L. Mayer Organisation (MLM), acquires Brody. As a result, Brody was integrated into the Crosby Group and the name of the company changes to Crosby Kitchens Ltd. The new owners encourage active promotion of the Crosby brand and this coincides with the further development of the flat-pack concept.
1982
Re-organisation within MLM creates a new Consumer Products division, which includes Crosby Kitchens. MLM merges with International Timber with the resulting alliance being renames Meyer International. The Consumer Products division inherited a number of International Timber companies with Crosby Kitchens accounting for some 50% of the turnover within this newly expanded section.
The early 1980’s sees a significant upswing in both the interest and importance of the fitted kitchen concept and over this period Crosby builds upon its reputation as a supplier of good quality, affordable furniture.
1984
Crosby Kitchens is announced as the first ever shirt sponsor of Sheffield Wednesday.
1986
Crosby’s reputation is further enhanced when the company is awarded the prestigious Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) Gold Award. The award is presented to companies whose products meet the exacting standards set by the FIRA for durability, sturdiness, strength and overall quality.
1988
Norcros plc. An ambitious multi-national company serving the building, printing and packaging industries acquires the Crosby Group.
June 1995
Spring Ram purchases Crosby Kitchens from Norcros.
January 2000
Joint venture company owned 60% by CHAP (Holdings) Ltd. and 40% Athena Kitchens Ltd. formed to buy Crosby Kitchens.
October 2009
Athena Kitchens enters administration leaving CHAP as sole owners of Crosby Kitchens.
November 2010
With the Magna Centre in Sheffield as its backdrop Crosby launches its new kitchen range.
June 2011
New flagship store opens in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.
