Our History

There aren’t many companies that can boast the pedigree of ours.

Based in the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the great city of Birmingham, we boast a continuous history of high-quality metalwork since 1892.

We began life manufacturing bottle stoppers – hence our name! However, we soon diversified into the manufacture of metal components. At first, we focused on bicycle parts and later the motorcycle industry. Over the years we’ve come to be known as guarantors of press and machining quality in every sector.

We’re proud of our history – it’s made us who we are today. But it’s also an inspiration to keep us always fixed on what’s next. Through that focus on the future we know we’ll keep attaining the high levels of service and quality which will enable us to be here in another 120 years! 

For more information, please contact us…

The Story So Far

In 1892 Rowland Todd resigned his commission from the Army,
moved to Birmingham from London and founded The Birmingham Stopper Company. In 1898 a fiery legal battle commenced over the alleged infringement of a patent stopper, by the then renamed Birmingham Stopper and Cycle Components Company. The Company denied infringement and despite rigorously challenging the authenticity of the patent, the Court held that the Patent was valid and had been infringed.

Rowland Todd had no intention
of letting the matter lie and challenged the initial ruling in the Court of Appeal. He demonstrated that similar stoppers had been in existence for many years and so the Patent had been anticipated. The Court of Appeal agreed and entered judgment for the Company. It was a landmark case.

Rowland Todd’s resilience and determination shaped the ethos that runs through the Company to this day, taking pride and inspiration from over a century of innovative craftmanship in the heart of Birmingham.

Birmingham Stopper Company is established

1892

The Birmingham Stopper Company is established, manufacturing bottle stoppers.

The Birmingham Stopper Cycle Components Co.

1899

Company name change

1900

The company’s name is changed to The Birmingham Stopper & Cycle Components Company, to reflect the increasing manufacture of bicycle components.

Birmingham Stopper during First World War

1918

Birmingham Stopper manufactured parts for airplanes, motorcycles, shells, wire cutters and wire breakers during the war.

Company’s largest markets

1945

By this time the truck and off-high-way industry are the Company’s largest markets.

Birmingham Stopper during World War II

1945

Birmingham Stopper helped the war effort with various products including parts for the crucial Bailey Bridge.

Harry Richards, Chairman

1930 – 1947

Leo Todd, Chairman

1948 – 1973

The workshop floor

1960’s

Producing motorcycle seats for Triumph & BSA

1960’s & 1970’s

Roger Varley joins Birmingham Stopper

1966

Ron Jervis, Chairman

1973 – 1979

New office block & works extension opens

1978

Opened by Councillor Edward F. Hanson on 23rd November 1978

Roger Varley, Managing Director

1979 – present day

Harry Grove retires

1980

After completing 66 years service

Acquisition of Heaton Ward Limited

1985

Acquisition of the profiler and fabricator, Heaton Ward Limited who were making parts for MG at Longbridge.

Centenary year

1992

The Company’s Centenary year is commemorated by our name reverting to Birmingham Stopper.

Acquisition of Birmingham Auto Pressings

1993

Acquisition of Hockley Auto Limited

2003

A period of growth begins with the acquisition of Hockley Auto Limited.

Acquisition of Hickton Pressings

2005

Acquisition of the pressing business of Copal Castings Ltd

2006

Acquisition of Bunting Sheet Metal Limited

2006

Acquisition of Chantry Manufacturing

2007

Paving the way for the London Olympics

2012

Eye-catching steel floor signs for the Greenway route into the Olympic Park from West Ham station.

Acquisition of Wilden Engineering Limited

2013

Acquisition of Blackpole Jig and Tool Limited

2013

Acquisition of Hussey Gwenda Products Limited

2015

Acquisition of Pressed Metal Products Limited

2015

Following the acquisition of Pressed Metal Products Limited we now have a large range of pet tags and bells.

£700K invested in equipment

2018 – 2020

New Turret Punch Press and two Hydraulic Brake Presses

Birmingham Stopper Team

2022

There aren’t many companies that can boast the pedigree of ours.

Investing for the future with state-of-the-art equipment

2023

Following on from the state-of- the-art laser and automatic feeder purchased in 2022, a delivery being taken of a new 8-axis Press Brake.