Although an increasing number of modern properties no longer feature an open fire and a chimney, there are still many restoration projects and older houses that still require clay chimney pots.
There is still widespread use, despite the increasing use of plastics for clay drainage pipes. One company that has been at the forefront of this niche market is W T Knowles & Sons Limited of Elland in West Yorkshire.
Now in the secure hands of the fourth generation of the Knowles family, the company can trace its roots back to 1906. The company was founded by Walter Thomas Knowles, becoming a limited company in 1926. Walter’s sons joined the business in the 1920’s and in the 1950’s they took the reins. About this time, the third generation joined the company and they took control in the 1970’s.
During World War 2, W T Knowles & Sons Ltd won many contracts with the MOD for draining airfields. Shortly after the war there were around eighty individual clay pipe manufacturers, today there are only three. The company still has six down draught beehive kilns, which produce both glazed and unglazed goods and today employs a workforce of around 50 people. Many of the traditional moulding techniques are still being used today.
Fourth generation member of the Knowles family is Managing Director Martin Knowles. “Our success is down to our belief in sticking to what we know and what we do best. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the quality of service and supply that we provide to the building market. We offer a competitive range of products and not just traditional clay chimney pots. We also offer a wide range of products such as gas flue terminals, multi-fuel pots, flue liners, cavity liners and redundant flues.
“We pride ourselves on the wide range of clay drainage pipes, fittings and drainage accessories, manufactured and supplied from our factory for over 100 years. Today, we are the only manufacturer of traditional salt-glazed clay products which is extensively specified for its durability and eco-friendly properties, as it is unaffected by most chemicals and can last for hundreds of years when properly maintained. We supply an extensive range of clay drainage pipes, channels, channel fittings, gullies and accessories to assist the drainage designer, contractor and site owner in effective drainage and flooding control.
“Finally”, Martin concludes, “I think that it is time the UK Government did something to help British manufacturers of building products. We have rising costs of energy, rates, taxation – these must be stopped if the UK manufacturers are going to put British products back into the British market. In this way, the construction industry can develop in the manner that this country desperately needs.”
For further information please telephone 01422 372833 or visit www.knowlesdrainage.co.uk
