Company History

1946
The Chelmscombe Quarry Company was formed and based in Cheddar, Somerset producing limestone aggregates and building stone for the local market.

1950
The company began to diversify into surfacing dressing work providing an outlet for clean chippings.

1961
Ford Bros was formed as a Limited company and business development work continued with the move into macadam surfacing and then in the early 1960's the company progressed into civil engineering works. During the 1960’s and 70’s the company experienced substantial growth building a sound reputation for quality work and excellent customer service.

1981
A change of ownership took place and with it a drive to grow the company and to capitalise on the existing sound reputation. The core business was expanded and the company started taking on larger contracts primarily for housing developers and public bodies. By 1990 the company had shifted into larger infrastructure projects where 'main contractor' status was the norm rather than working as subcontractors.

1996
The Ford Bros management team was strengthened in preparation for the introduction of the CDM regulations which were introduced in 1996 and the company were required to assume principal contractor status. Ford Bros Civil Engineering completed the first Park & Ride scheme at Copse for Swindon Borough Council.

2000
By 2000 the Group had expanded its presence by moving into the property support services business and major residential refurbishment contracts were awarded with the development of Housing Associations. Ford Bros were also awarded the development of the Northern Distributor Road at Bridgwater. This work was completed in 2004 and had a total value of £3.5 million.

2005
By 2005 Ford Bros, with an established track record in Park & Ride infrastructure development, was selected by both Swindon BC and Oxford CC as the preferred bidder to build and provide new car parking facilities and coach terminals.

2007/8
The acquisition of a specialist heating and ventilation engineering company further expands Ford Bros Property Support Services Division, attracting interest from existing commercial and retail customers.

2009
Today Ford Bros are well known throughout the South Western region of England as experienced infrastructure contractors having worked for many of the major housing developers and consortiums. During the past year or so we have been carrying out more and more S278 type road improvement schemes as the amount of new build has decreased.

Ford Bros is one of the largest contracting companies in the western region of the UK and a leader in roads building and surfacing, support services, electrical and mechanical engineering and other disciplines. Our excellent financial performance, all round strengths, clear development strategy and vision mean that we face the future with great confidence.