JB Corrie Celebrates 100 years since incorporation

In 2025, one of Britain’s most enduring family-owned manufacturers celebrates a remarkable milestone – 100 years since incorporation, and over 125 years since its founding. From roots in the Hampshire countryside to expansion into Manchester and Blairgowrie, Scotland, JB Corrie stands proud as a symbol of traditional values, quality craftsmanship, and forward thinking innovation. JB Corrie began as a partnership in the late 1800s and was incorporated on 21September1925. Originally based in London, the business started as an agent of machine tools under founder John Bradford Corrie and partner Fred Weil. Known for its family ethos and broad customer base across the Commonwealth, the company’s journey into fencing began in the early 1900s when John became fascinated by hardwood dropper fencing from Argentina. With the help of hidden talents from his chauffeur, Bert Tripp, he developed the renowned steel Dropper (Corax) fencing, laying the foundation for the company’s new direction.

After acquiring other businesses, John’s ill health saw his son, Basil John Bryan Corrie, take over as Chairman in 1939.

During the Blitz, JB Corrie’s London premises were destroyed, prompting a temporary move to Staines. Post-war recovery saw a return to London, and in 1946 Basil purchased a manufacturing factory in Middlesbrough, soon followed by Flextella – a chain link site with an iron shop in Petersfield, Hampshire. With post-war demand for fencing, JBCorrie’s reputation grew.

In 1950, Basil’s son Richard joined the London branch, marking the third Corrie generation.

With a passion for contract work, he drove expansion into railways and overseas projects. By1958, manufacturing of droppers had moved to Petersfield, and in 1973 Richard became Chairman, unifying the company.

Under his leadership, JB Corrie delivered landmark projects: wildebeest and zebra–proof fencing for Meru NationalPark, deer fencing in Richmond Park, and 500 miles of dropper fencing in Saudi Arabia during the early 1980s.

The company’s expansion into Scotland reflected a long term vision to serve UK customers more effectively. What began as a modest Blairgowrie site has grown into a major perimeter solutions hub, operating from a larger facility designed to meet increased demand.

In 2025, JB Corrie also opened a new branch in Manchester. Our high security division specialises in perimeter solutions including Gallagher fencing, automated systems, and surveillance technologies. The site enables the company to diversify its offering for government, infrastructure and commercial clients seeking advanced, British engineered security systems.

In 2009, Richard’s son John Corrie became Chairman, building on his family’s legacy and shaping JB Corrie into the fencing specialist it is today. With a strong manufacturing and installation presence, the company now serves sector including sports, security, railways, utilities, and domestic customers.

In 2024, the business entered another pivotal chapter with the appointment of Joint Managing Directors, Chantelle Wilson and Luke Ryan. This new leadership blends experience and innovation while upholding the company’s ethos and values. Together, they are steering JB Corrie through strategic growth and modernisation.

‘My own memories of JBC’s go back to 1974 when at just fifteen years old I asked for a holiday job in the factory. Phil Broodbridge put me to work drilling holes in steel posts, cleaning steel tubes with a noxious chemical before they were put in the dip tank, and sweeping the factory floor ofter everyone had gone while I was waiting for Richard to drive me home. Much has changed since then, but some things haven’t.

Richard’s business philosophy has always been to do good business the right way, and JB Corrie has become known as a company that will always do a top quality job and stand by its word. That culture is still the same today, and will stay true in our future. The other thing that has never changed is the loyalty of both the family and the employees to the company.

There are not many companies in the UK that have passed through four generations of the same family ownership and control, but there are also not many companies that can boast having 25% of its employees with over twenty five years service, and where the average length of service approaches fourteen years. In an increasingly challenging business environment such experience and continuity matter more and more.’  -John Corrie

As JB Corrie celebrates 100 years of incorporation, the focus is firmly on the future. Investment in new technologies, sustainability,and employee development ensures the company remains at the forefront of British manufacturing.

Yet, despite its evolution, JB Corrie remains true to its heritage: a family run business built on quality, community, and care. In an era of rapid change, it stands as proof that tradition and innovation can move forward together.