Denford Engineering Founded
Denford was established by Horace Stanley Frederick Denford, grandfather of the current Chief Executive. Horace, already an experienced engineer, relocated to Halifax from London to escape the bombing during the Blitz. In the closing years of the war, he founded Denford Engineering at Box Tree Mills in Halifax, a company that manufactured a range of engineering inspection/measuring equipment and tool holders.
Box Tree Mills, Halifax
Denford moved part of their manufacturing operation to Box Tree Mills in Wheatley, Halifax, during the latter part of the war. With the establishment of the “Box Mill” plant, a new company named “Denford Machine Tools” was created, and production began on two small precision bench lathes branded “Box-Ford”. These machines were offered for sale at a suggested price of around £175, with a production run exceeding 400 units.
Birds Royd, Brighouse
In the 1950s, Denford shifted its manufacturing operations to Birds Royd, Brighouse. By the decade’s end, Denford was producing a range of metal and wood turning lathes, tool sharpening equipment, grinders, and polishers. Viceroy lathes (wood and metal) manufactured by Denford can still occasionally be found in school Design & Technology Departments today.
CNC Machines
Horace’s son, Gerald Denford, took over the company in 1962 and played a crucial role in steering the company into the CNC machine tool era. This legacy continued until the current (third) generation of the Denford family took over in 1987, further developing new technologies for education and training. Gerald’s son, Andrew, is the present Chief Executive, with three of Gerald’s Grandchildren working for the company, to continue the family legacy.
Relocation to Armytage Road, Brighouse
In December 2010, Denford moved to a new purpose-designed 18,500 sq ft facility at Armytage Road, Brighouse. The new premises incorporate the company’s manufacturing facilities, including 3,200 sq ft of office space, as well as a dedicated showroom, demonstration, and training facility.
Expansion
Denford has expanded its product range to include the design and manufacture of a comprehensive selection of CNC mills, lathes, and routers specifically designed for education. Denford machines are a familiar fixture in Design and Technology and Engineering laboratories around the world. New product development remains a key strategy for Denford with continuous updates to products, maintaining the tradition of design and manufacturing firmly rooted in Brighouse, West Yorkshire.
Education
Denford plays a pivotal role in various STEM competitions worldwide, notably as a founding partner and official equipment seller for F1 in Schools. This support extends across 62 countries, where Denford facilitates access to cutting-edge technology, empowering students to engage in hands-on learning experiences and foster innovation.
Future Plans
Denford remains committed to driving innovation in educational technology and expanding its influence in the global STEM community. Future plans include:
Expanding Product Lines:
Continuing to develop and introduce new CNC machines and educational tools that cater to the evolving needs of educational institutions worldwide.
Enhancing Global Reach:
Strengthening partnerships and support networks in existing and new markets to ensure broader access to Denford’s technology and expertise.
Promoting Sustainability:
Investing in sustainable manufacturing practices and developing eco-friendly products to support a greener future.
Community Engagement:
Increasing involvement in local and global STEM initiatives to inspire and support the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Denford’s commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that it will continue to be a leader in educational technology, empowering students and educators around the world.
