About us

Since opening our doors in 1976, we have made remarkable progress. Our roots lie in a strong family ethos and a dedicated commitment to meeting the needs of our customers. Over time, we have transformed from a humble workspace furniture company into a dynamic and forward-thinking operation. Despite this growth, we have remained true to our values and and continue to be privately owned and family run.

Ted Smith, a skilled engineer specialising in typewriters, makes a significant leap in his career by developing his first desking product. With the increasing demand for office equipment and furniture, Ted spots an opportunity to create a product that caters to this growing market. He starts working on designing and prototyping a desking product that offers practical features and modern aesthetics.

As a company, we at Gresham begin our journey with a strong focus on innovation and dynamism, and a commitment to manufacturing high-quality workspace furniture. Our primary goal from the outset is to create office furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To this day we take pride in our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, producing furniture that sets the standard.

We launch our Design 2000 Range. Through our innovative design processes and use of high-quality materials, we’ve gained a reputation for excellence in the market. Our furniture is not only visually appealing but also durable and comfortable, making it a favourite among businesses of all sizes. Our product range is diverse, including desks, chairs, storage units, and other office essentials, all designed to meet the needs of the fast-paced workspaces of the time.

New premises are established at Bankfield Mill and our production moves from St Georges Rd in Bolton. As we grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, regularly introducing new designs and styles to our portfolio. We continue to invest in research and development to ensure that our furniture remains at the forefront of the industry, constantly adapting to the changing needs of our customers.

After years of operating from a single location, the company makes the strategic decision to move its production to a split site at Waterloo Street, remaining in Bolton. This move allows the company to expand its operations and increase production capacity to meet the growing demand for products. The nature of the site enables the company to separate its manufacturing processes from its administrative and sales operations, allowing for greater efficiency and streamlining of processes. The move to a split site at Waterloo Street marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, positioning it for further growth and success in the industry.

A proud Bolton-based business we make a significant investment in our infrastructure by relocating all of our operations to a new, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Lostock. The move to the larger, state-of-the-art facility provides the company with the capacity to increase production and expand its product range. By optimising its manufacturing processes and streamlining operations, the company achieves greater efficiencies, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

As we continue to grow, we recognise the need to expand our facilities to meet the increasing demand for our products. With this in mind, we make the decision to extend our factory to over 200,000 square feet, providing us with the additional space needed to increase production and enhance our manufacturing capabilities. This expansion also allows us to improve our workflow processes and implement new technologies.

Always independent and family owned, our current Managing Director, Julian Roebuck, completes a management buyout. This allows us to maintain our commitment to innovation, while providing us with the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the market. With Julian at the helm, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering outstanding products and services to our customers, while positioning ourselves for growth and success in the future.

In response to the growing demand for bespoke items, Gresham Bespoke is launched as a new division of the company. With a team of skilled craftsmen and designers, we are able to offer fully customised solutions to our clients. Gresham Bespoke has access to the latest technology, enabling us to produce designs that are tailored to meet the exact requirements of our customers.

Our Oscar chair begins production. Designed in association with Jones and Partners, Oscar represents the perfect balance of form and function. With its sleek and modern design, the Oscar chair is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers unparalleled comfort and support. Our collaboration with Jones and Partners allows us to bring our initial concept to life and create a product that perfectly reflects our commitment to innovation and design excellence.

New London Showroom opens its doors. Today, we are proud to be recognised as one of the leading manufacturers of office furniture, renowned for our quality, innovation, and customer service. Our dedication to producing dynamic and innovative office furniture remains the cornerstone of our success, and we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.