1993
The Beginning
Grommets Ltd Incorporated by Sidney Wells. Offices and storage in Horsham with factory in Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex.
1994
Second Generation
Joanne, daughter of Sidney, joined the business. Second Generation employee and the start of the dynasty!
1999
Business Consolidation
Moved to one site in Henfield, West Sussex. This finally brought the business under one roof rather than spread across several miles. The site was improved by replacing the roof and windows and installing three-phase electrical supply.
2001
On-site Engineering
Created and kitted out a new tool room for our in-house engineer to make moulding tools including custom made to customers requirements. Installed a state-of-the-art CNC lathe and mill.
2002
Third Generation
Robert Wells, son of Sidney, joined as Sales manager followed in 2003 by Charlotte Lane, granddaughter of Sidney, joined as an administrator - our 3rd generation family member.
2004
First Exhibition
Joanne and Robert manned our stand at our first trade show – Southern Manufacturing & Electronics - a dynamic hub where industry leaders, innovators, and experts converge to share ideas, discover new technologies, and forge long-lasting partnerships.
2005
Bid to Purchase
We made our first approach to Horsham District Council to purchase the freehold of the factory and land. We were told that it was not for sale at that time but, undeterred, we made an annual request.
2006
Electrical Update
We embarked on a project to modernise our electrical system by moving to switch panels and distribution boards primarily sited in one plant room.
2008
New Managing Director
As Sidney began to wind down towards retirement, he appointed his daughter Joanne Boorsma Managing Director. This was a fitting reward for her dedication over the previous fourteen years.
2009
ISO9001:2008 Certified
ISO9001:2008 Quality management systems accreditation achieved. It had long been a dream of Sidney to achieve this quality standard and following production of a draft manual in 2008 Stuart Gladwell, nephew of Sidney, joined to guide the business through to accreditation.
2010
Death of Sidney Wells
Our founder Sidney Wells sadly passed away after a short illness leaving Joanne and Robert as owners.
2012
A New Broom
After a year of circumspection in 2012 Joanne rang the changes. She bought out her brother Robert making her sole owner. Mark Boorsma, son in law of Sidney, joined as sales manager; we purchased a new CNC mill for tool room and increased manufacturing capacity through purchase of an additional press.
2014
Heart Defibrillator Purchased
Together with our neighbouring businesses we raised money for a heart defibrillator machine to be used in the case of cardiac arrest. This lifesaving piece of equipment has
already proved to be a success in other nearby locations, and we felt it was vital to have a defibrillator in the immediate vicinity
2014
First Fleet Car
We purchased our first fleet car a Mini Cooper van to offer a stylised delivery service, custom wrapped with Grommets Ltd branding.
2015
Third Generation
Josh Boorsma, step grandson of Sidney, joined as salesperson. This then led to the introduction of a new management structure. Mark as Quality Manager; Charlotte Office Manager and Josh as Sales and Production Manager.
2015
Sustainably Driving Forward
We added another Mini Cooper to our fleet. Other interesting developments where we started saving paper by emailing invoices to our customers.
2015
Sponsoring Reigate Football Club & Henfield Cricket Club
Grommets Ltd become the official sponsors of both the Reigate Football Club and the Henfield Cricket Club (until 2017). Proudly sponsoring all their match kit and equipment.
2016
Grommets launches new website
Grommets Ltd launches a brand new website, built by Amasci Creative. The second generation of website under the grommets.co.uk domain.
2016
Logo Trademarked
Following an e-commerce business using an identical name we decided to protect our interests by registering our logo as a trademark at the Intellectual Property Office. In 2020 we increased this protection by registering it at European Intellectual Property Office.
2016
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
We joined Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) who provide Inclusive support, market-leading benefits and a voice heard in governments at all levels. Their mission is to help small businesses achieve their ambitions.
2018
Increased Manufacturing Capacity
Due to increasing business levels we increased manufacturing capacity through purchase of two additional presses. This also provided additional employment opportunities. We installed a ventilation system in the factory to remove airborne particles and provide cool air.
2018
Measurement Guide Videos
Our guide to measure videos were added to website to help customers get the right measurements prior to ordering.
2018
Expanding the Fleet
A further three Mini Clubman cars added to fleet, all beautifully custom wrapped with Grommets Ltd branding.
2019
Joined Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Chambers are the only organisation that helps British businesses to build relationships on every level. Across our Network, we can connect your business locally, nationally and internationally, with other businesses, with decision-makers and with opportunities.
2019
Awarding Winning
Chamber of Commerce regional winner – Family Business of the Year.
FSB Southeast area finalist - Family Business Award
2020
COVID-19
We remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the critical national infrastructure. Our parts were in demand as used in a few medical processes. We also purchased a VW Transporter to help with deliveries during the pandemic.
2020
Fourth Generation
Issy Lane, great granddaughter of Sidney, joined as 4th generation family member. Issy assisted in the scanning of a room full of paper archived records to our network. It also heralded our move to maintaining computerised rather than paper records wherever possible.
2020
Joined Made in Britain
We take pride in our dedication to British manufacturing excellences, so joining the Made in Britain community was the perfect fit. Members not only gain access to a network that supports collective growth through protected marks but also become part of a community that values and promotes the authenticity and trustworthiness of their products.
2020
Sponsoring Henfield Leisure Centre Kids Club
We become the main sponsor of Henfield Leisure Centre Kids Club. The club offers affordable childcare for children in year 1 up to the age of 12, running a breakfast and after school club as well as activities in school holidays.
2021
Land and factory purchased form council
After sixteen years of making offers to purchase, we were able to purchase the factory and land freehold from Horsham District Council. This meant we could plan for how we wanted to use our land.
2021
Increased Productivity
Increased manufacturing capacity through purchase of two additional presses.
New larger pump added to presses to increase manufacturing capacity. Further employment opportunities. We employed our first apprentice.
2021
Electric Cars Added to Fleet
We reduced our carbon footprint by replacing two minis with all-electric Vauxhall Mokka cars and added car charging point to our car park for staff to use.
2021
Sponsorship of Henfield Football Club
We started our sponsorship of Henfield Football Club as match day football sponsor and in 2022 kit sponsorship of the first team.
2022
£1 Million Turnover
For the first time, through increased sales and production, we achieved the milestone of turnover exceeding £1 million – a great achievement.
2022
Award Finalist
Chamber of Commerce regional finalist – Scale up Business of the year.
2022
Self Sufficiency
Following loss of power (and production) for a week we purchased a back-up generator to avoid further disruption during power outages.
2022
Expanding Fourth generation
Saskia Lane, great granddaughter of Sidney, joined as social media guru. Another 4th generation family member.
2023
30th Anniversary and Grommets House
We celebrated our 30th birthday with the completion of Grommets House our new administration: despatch and stockholding building. This meant we were no longer crammed into one building and had room to expand.
2023
Death of Simon Constable
Simon our well-loved toolmaker and factory supervisor passed away. Simon introduced new working practices to the factory that improved procedures and had taken on the role of tool maker.
2023
Environmental Awareness
We started using recyclable packaging for most of our despatched goods following positive feedback during a trial. Plastic packaging is used for stock and re-used many ties over.
2023
Joined Make UK
Make UK (formerly The Engineering Employers Forum. Members get access to exclusive networking events where manufacturers discuss the issues facing the industry at a national and regional level.
2024
The Wandering Turnip
Grommets Ltd featured in The Wandering Turnip – Made in Britain Series highlighting important industries that the public are unaware of.
2024
Simon Remembered
Following the repurposing of the redundant office space in our factory we dedicated our new tool making room to Simon Constable’s memory in a ceremony attended by his family.
2024
Women in Family Business Awards
Joanne Boorsma is recognised in Women in Family Business Awards.
2024
FSB Southeast Award Winner
Grommets Ltd are FSB Southeast winner – Family Business Award.
2025
New Ventilation System
After increasing the number of presses and refiguring the factory the ventilation system was extended to include whole factory. This means the environment is comfortable for our employees all year round.
2025
Grommets launches new website
Grommets Ltd launches a brand new refreshed website. The third generation of website under the grommets.co.uk domain.
