About Birchills
Established in the late 19th century, Birchills has been a stalwart in the engineering industry for over a century. Our journey from humble origins to becoming a renowned engineering firm is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and service.
Thriving in exhaust system design, with the introduction of presswork and washer solutions since early 2000s, and most recent addition of bollards and barriers in 2023 we cater to diverse industries with a focus on delivering tailored engineering solutions that exceed expectations. With over a century of experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge, versatility, and innovation to every project, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and quality. Contact Birchills today to discover how we can support your business with our comprehensive engineering expertise.
Innovation and quality is our driving force
As pioneers in the engineering industry, we strive to create innovative solutions for every project.
Our history allows us to grow for the future.
Founded in the late 19th Century >
Birchills Automotive originally made specialist/ replacement locks and architectural hardware for local industries and utility companies.
Late 40s >
Birchills produced replacement locks for use in the refitting of the original R.M.S. Queen Mary.
Late 40s >
Birchills produced replacement locks for use in the refitting of the original R.M.S. Queen Mary.
1970’s the exhaust was born > >
Birchills ventured into the exhaust component market and it is from this base that the company progressed into supplying both original and after sales markets, providing an extensive catalogue of components in all materials.
Recent years has seen the introductions of a whole host of new ranges >
Firstly 2 wheeled motorcycle bike components, 4 wheeled car components up to commercial vehicles and off-road equipment. Indeed we now manufacture many types of pressings and assemblies for several industries including Automotive OEM & aftermarket, Motorsport & Marine, Construction and Civil Engineering.
Birchills has now gained an impressive reputation for innovation and flexibility.
Recent years has seen the introductions of a whole host of new ranges >
Firstly 2 wheeled motorcycle bike components, 4 wheeled car components up to commercial vehicles and off-road equipment. Indeed we now manufacture many types of pressings and assemblies for several industries including Automotive OEM & aftermarket, Motorsport & Marine, Construction and Civil Engineering.
Birchills has now gained an impressive reputation for innovation and flexibility.
Where it all started
Quality supplier from the late 19th century
through to the 21st century
Golden Years of Walsall.
A key to longevity
The Midlands have a proud history of small yet tenacious engineering companies: one such is Birchills Automotive Presswork Ltd.
The business was founded in the late 19th century by WJH Goodman. The firm began life at 37 Harrison Street,
Bloxwich at the Reliance Works where the firm’s 20 or so employees made locks and hardware, particularly specialist and replacement six and seven lever locks as well as ‘triangle key’ locks for buses and the Gas Board, known as ‘budget locks’.
During the second world war essential war work was undertaken such as making tank locks and frames for battery boxes, for the first time girls were employed, getting paid three halfpence for piecework for countersinking the battery boxes.
Staff pictured outside the Green Lane premises in the 1970s.
The modern interior of Birchill Automotive Products Ltd.
Both the founder’s sons Harry and Joe, as well as his daughter Vera would be involved in the business. Harry
took over the firm in the 1930s after the founder had died.
In the 1950s Vera briefly controlled the business until Harry’s son John – JH Goodman – finally took over and Joe, a gifted oil painter who owned a canal boat called ‘Goody Two Shoes’, left to take over as manager at a firm in Wolverhampton.
Meanwhile, the firm had remained at its first premises until 1947 at which time it was supplying replacement locks to be used in the refit of the Queen Mary. A move was now made to Willenhall Lane Bloxwich, to a new Reliance Works. In the following years other businesses were acquired including Ashtree Locks & Hardware.
The firm went on to produce locks for Dennis Fire Engines and carriage locks and heaters for the railways. Production of exhaust components began in the early 1960s.
In 1970 the firm’s current site in Green Lane was set up to start power press production of exhaust components which would become the principle business, although at that time Birchill’s also made chassis members for Reliant cars as well as introducing locks for aluminium double glazed windows.
Today Birchill Automotive supplies exhaust systems to customers all over the United Kingdom and exports to Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Eire and Malta.
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Based in the heart of the UK our team is ready to assist and advise with your enquiry.
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About Birchills
