Perry Centenary Catalogue

1925

1925 A. Perry is first established by Arthur Perry in the heart of the Black Country 100 years ago

1927 Arthur is joined by his son Ernie Perry when he’s just 12 years old

1935 Ernie’s younger brother Cliff Perry joined the business at the age of 14

1965 Years later, Ernie’s son in law Alan Dunnaker joined and later became Managing Director of the company

100 years of the Perry Family Bussiness

By 1990, development on the Doulton road site reached completion, and just a few years later in 1995, Alans youngest son, Ian Dunnaker (now Commercial Director) joined the family business. 1996 saw the Perry range grow considerably through the acquisition of the tooling and machinery of the ironmongery manufacturer, JB Hardware. This allowed the company to vastly increase the range, introducing many traditional ironmongery products such as door and gate bolts, Handrail Brackets and other internal ironmongery products. In 2006, continuing the family tradition, Chris Perry (now Operations Director), Guy’s eldest son joined the fold. In that same year further growth was experienced with another strategic commitment to manufacturing capabilities, when A Perry purchased the stocks and machinery of Glynne Robinson Studding. This investment saw the company become the largest independent manufacturer of Threaded Bar and associated products in the UK. In 2008 the first eCommerce website was launched allowing customers to purchase goods online, and a year later Guy’s youngest son Steve Perry started, being the most recent family member to join the company. In 2015 a complete rebrand was implemented, including a new logo, website and merchandising offering, greatly modernising the brand and reinforcing its position as the market leader. Just a year later, saw the purchase of a new 90.000 square foot warehouse and office facility, quickly refurbishing the premises to increase the area to 100,000 square feet. In 2017 this new warehouse and office facility was officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KG.

This year at A. Perry, we celebrate our Centenary Birthday, turning 100 years old, a massive landmark occasion for our family business. It all started in 1925, when a young entrepreneur named Arthur Perry set up a small business selling steel gutter brackets and hinges in Old Hill, in the heart of the Black Country. By 1927 Arthur's son, Ernie began to help his father with the family business at the young age of twelve, and In 1935 Arthur's second son Cliff also began working with his father and brother in the business at the age of fourteen. During World War II, Ernie joined the Civil Defence Reserve as an auxiliary fireman, and by 1940 the company, who had by then had become incorporated, aided in the manufacturing of hinges for British aircraft and ammunition boxes. Over the years the product range began to grow along with our reputation and business. Continued success led to moving to a new purpose-built premises in Doulton Road, Cradley Heath in 1955, and just a few years after the move, the family made the first of what would be many expansions to the site. Ten years after this move in 1965, Ernie's son-in-law Alan Dunnaker joined the company and the business continued to grow over the years. In 1981, Guy Perry (now Managing Director) joined his father Cliff, along with his uncle. Alan’s eldest son Brian Dunnaker joined the company several years after. In 1982 the first automated products were produced, including T hinges, hook and bands, and corner braces. At the same time, during the Falklands conflict, the family manufactured components for Harrier Jump Jet landing pads for the Royal Air Force.