How we started

J & J W Longbottom was formed in the late 1870’s, a partnership between brothers Joe and Joshua Woodhead Longbottom, both of Holmfirth. Although Joshua had trained as a foundryman from leaving school, brother Joe worked in textiles as a cloth drawer, employing 2 people. By 1877, the company had grown to employ 20 people. In the late 19th century as well as rainwater goods, the company took on general work, an example being lampposts for the local council. On the death of Joe, aged 53, brother Joshua continued to run the business until his own death in 1924, aged 74 when the company passed to the Firth family, Joe’s nephew. In the mid-19th century the foundry was expanded to accommodate the increasing demand for heavy grates as well as rainwater goods.

Sloan & Davidson

In 1992 following the closure of well-respected company Sloan and Davidson Ltd, who had operated for over a century making similar castings, we acquired the company together with their impressive pattern range giving us the widest range of patterns in the industry. Most of these patterns are original meaning we can often offer matches for existing castings such as gutters without the need for a new pattern.

Craftmanship

Daily production continues today following the same age-proven, traditional methods, but augmented where appropriate by modern materials and practices. With nearly a century and a half of unbroken production we already have a very comprehensive pattern range but with patternmaking and fabrication facilities at the foundry we can also replicate existing patterns and make to new designs.

Family Run Business

Today Longbottoms remains a family run business with a commitment to exceptional service. Our experienced sales staff will help you identify the correct product for your project. With unrivalled stocks of most products and the ability to manufacture specials straight away we can offer prompt delivery times to all parts of the country, usually on our own delivery vehicles.