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Returning from the war, Joe Kay with his wife, Annie, decided to support their young family with the skill and artistry of Joe's own fair hands. The mix of his skill as an engraver and the establishment in Darwen of ICI "Perspex" provided the catalyst - J & A Kay was in business.
The journey began in 1946, with engraving by hand, this was soon supplemented by machine engraving. In 1962, the company needed larger premises and the first building at "Cotton Hall" was acquired. When sign-making eclipsed engraving as the main activity, more factory space was bought adjoining the original and the first crude thermoforming steps were taken.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, thermoforming developed to become the principle company activity. More production space was built, employment grew, ovens, presses and specialist vacuum forming machines were installed, and the customer base expanded to encompass some of the UK's leading companies.
Recently, J & A Kay Ltd has invested in excess of £1.5m, giving the company an additional 10,000 sq.ft. extension, the very latest in thermoforming technology, and another 5-axis router. We remain essentially a "trade" company, producing semi-finished and finished items for a wide range of customers. However, our specialist knowledge and expertise allows us to bring the benefits of our investment and thermoplastics in general, to a growing number of niche markets.
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