Celebrating 50 Years of JC Walwyn & Sons at the Airfield Industrial Estate

Posted on 2 October 2024

This year marks a significant milestone for JC Walwyn & Sons, a treasured family business nestled in Ashbourne, as they celebrate their 50^th anniversary at Ashbourne Airfield Industrial Estate, a former World War 2 airfield (RAF Ashbourne). Established in 1947, the coffin manufacturer has grown from humble beginnings on Station Street, into a national leader in the funeral industry, producing 30,000 bespoke coffins annually for funeral directors across England and Wales. Despite this impressive growth, they’ve remained true to their roots and established their headquarters based at the Airfield Estate.

The business was originally founded by John Charles “Charlie” Walwyn, a skilled joiner who started out in 1947 making coffins by hand from a modest workshop on Station Street. Over time each of Mr Walwyn’s three sons (Philip, John & Keith) joined their father’s business, assisting with funerals and the manufacturing of coffins. It was during the 1960s when veneered coffins reshaped the industry, and the Walwyn family decided to focus purely on coffin making to supply other funeral directors.

The business quickly outgrew their premises on Station Street, and fortunately, in 1972, the County Council put the Second World War airfield up for sale for industrial units. At £4000 per acre, the Walwyn family became one of the first to acquire half an acre and set up their business from there. In 1974, their purpose-built factory officially opened, and JC Walwyn was on the map as a leader in coffin manufacturing.

Their decision to stay at this location has proved to be one of their best. Over the years, the estate’s excellent infrastructure and room for expansion has provided the ideal environment for growing the business. By 1991, JC Walwyn was producing hundreds of coffins each week and staying at the airfield allowed them to develop cutting-edge production techniques, including manufacturing their own veneered boards in-house, giving them complete control over product quality. A new state of the art veneer plant was built in 1999 and then when John retired in 2005, the business purchased the adjoining building, which expanded capacity. A further building was erected in 2020 due to further expansion and growth. Remaining at the airfield has allowed the company to introduce sustainability features like solar panels and a biomass boiler. The site’s size and flexibility has made these eco-friendly initiatives easier to implement, representing the company’s ability to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Keith Walwyn, Managing Director, explained why the location has been crucial to their long-term success “Our expanded premises and convenient access to the road network has increased our production levels over the years. As a proud local business in the heart of Ashbourne, with many of our employees born and raised here, we take pride in our heritage, growing from small beginnings to becoming one of the town’s largest employers.”

The company’s third generation, Steven, Mark and Simon, have now become directors of the business and Clare Carter (daughter of Keith) is working on the admin side of the business. The grandsons of Keith, Kian and Declan Walwyn are making him extremely proud by working on the factory floor. JC Walwyn’s employs 37 people, and many have been with the business a long time, one employee will be celebrating their 40^th work anniversary next year, a testament to the company!

JC Walwyn & Sons, has never lost sight of the fact that every coffin is made for an individual. Whether they’re crafting a traditional solid wood coffin or a brightly coloured, personalised design, the team treats every piece with care and respect.

The family continue to be actively involved in the business and is committed to developing the company’s legacy for years to come. As JC Walwyn & Sons celebrates 50 years at the Airfield Industrial Estate, they are proud to call Ashbourne their home. With strong community ties and a family-led team taking the business forward, the future looks bright for this skilled and cherished craftsmanship.

To find out more about the vast array of products and services we offer, or to book a factory tour, please call us on 01335 345555 or click HERE to email us.

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