History

Woodpecker Joinery was founded in 1994 by Christopher Waltho, a dedicated and talented craftsman.

From a farming background, an early memory was spending many hours helping his father lovingly craft a wooden greenhouse. His natural and creative flare for design became apparent during Chris’ school days as did his love and interest in working with wood. Chris went on to study woodwork at NVQ level and gained a City and Guilds certificate. Along the way many things added to career development; from serving an apprenticeship at the age of 17 with a local joinery company manufacturing doors, conservatories and windows, and in the engineering field acquiring knowledge of design. A lifelong dream had always been to one day start his own business.

After being made redundant from the engineering firm, Chris applied for a Government grant. The application was successful and he became a sole trader based at his mother’s smallholding in Bramshall, Staffordshire. He continued in what he knew best - manufacturing windows, doors and conservatories. During the next three years a reputation for good quality products grew, as did the customer base. In 1997, after being approached by an aluminium greenhouse supplier to provide a bespoke cedar greenhouse, the first Woodpecker greenhouse was produced. Inspired by his creation, market research followed and it became apparent there was a keen British interest in gardening but few companies specializing in Bespoke cedar greenhouses. Chris began to develop a website and engineer a range of cedar wood greenhouses.

Orders flowed in and eventually it became too much work for one person. Realizing the need for help he approached his brother Louis, fiancée Louise, cousin Joe and Tom, a family friend. Long hours, hard work and dedication were called for - together we were a strong and determined team. The popularity of our products exceeded expectations; we were full of optimism and looking forward to the future. That was until tragically on Christmas Day 2004 at the age of 20, Joe passed away in a car accident. He is sadly missed and fondly remembered. During summer months we had extra hands on board from University students Bobby, Ross and James, who would help out both in the workshop and installing our products. In October 2005 Joe and, in 2006, Craig joined the team. All of the aforementioned would prove significant in Woodpecker‘s future.

Thankfully our success over the next four years continued. After careful consideration a decision was made in order for Woodpecker Joinery to develop and move forward: we would need to move to larger premises. In 2008, with nine employees, we moved to an industrial unit in Hixon, Staffordshire on which a lease was taken. Having additional space improved manufacturing efficiency and productivity. Demand for our products continued to expand and in 2009 we were approached by the BBC to produce a greenhouse for the Gardener’s World programme. Our greenhouse was featured in the series hosted by Toby Buckland. We have exported our products to Ireland, France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Falkland Islands and even as far as Australia! We import all of our PCFC certificated cedar direct from Canada.

Over a period of three years our business continued to blossom and we came to occupy three units on the Industrial Estate, outgrowing even these. Time to move again… In December 2012, with 30 employees, we moved back to Chris’ roots, purchasing our own premises in Bramshall. Our business has expanded and we sell cedar wood UK wide, having more orders than ever before and the luxury of being in our own premises. We have renovated the office space and workshops. Tom is Head Joiner, Joe Works Foreman, Louis Head of Painting Department, Bobby our Manager, Ross Imports and Exports Manager, Craig Head Site Foreman and James Head of the Technical Department. We continue in the development of young people and training within the workplace.

With special thanks to Mary (Chris’s mum) without your patience, time and help none of this would have been possible.