Picture shows the new Smash Padel, Cardiff all-weather padel courts from the inside of one of the courts.

About the company

No matter what your challenge we’ve got you covered…

At Fordingbridge we have a single-minded mission – to enhance people’s environments and day to day lives.

We do that by designing and manufacturing buildings, canopies, walkways, and all-weather protection that enable retailers, schools, hospitals, attractions, leisure facilities and crematoria to maximise their space in imaginative new ways.

A difference you’ll notice: why we’re a leading canopy provider

We’re proud to have operated as a leading canopy provider for over 55 years. But what makes us proudest of all is the relationships we build with our clients and the fact that so much of our business comes through personal recommendation.

We like to think that’s because you’ll notice the difference when you work with us:

  • You’ll notice how simple and hassle free we make the whole process – with everything designed and manufactured on a single site.
  • You’ll notice how friendly and collaborative our team is to work with.
  • You’ll notice how committed we are to embracing the highest sustainability standards.
  • Above all you’ll notice that we always go the extra mile to ensure you’re 100% happy with the structure you commission.
An exciting future is only a phone call or email away…

Thinking of making this the year that you enhance your space? Why not follow the lead of sector leaders like Costa, UK Padel Courts, Notcutts, London Zoo and the NHS and get in touch today? We’d love to help you create a brighter tomorrow…

about us

1960’s

Bill Way started up Fordingbridge Fans making ventilation systems for horticultural businesses. The company has a humble start operating out of sheds, with the office in a caravan.

1970’s

The family business moves away from fan production into polyhouses – a glimpse into our future direction.

1980’s

The Duchess of Norfolk opens a new factory at Fontwell – the site we still operate from today.

1980’s

We celebrate our 25th year anniversary. Having acquired Fontwell Engineering (steel fabrication), we’re beginning to move into the ambitious structures which we’ve become known for today.

1990’s

Our taper trellis frame is introduced allowing larger areas to be covered and our first pitched roof polycarbonate clad building is installed at Frosts Garden Centre.

2000

Our first canopy for the education sector is built at a school in Stockport. Demand from the education sector hasn’t stopped since and we’ve since designed hundreds of covered outdoor dining spaces, sports areas, green classrooms and bike shelters.

2000’s

Our signature timber framed canopies and buildings – our most popular ranges – are added to our portfolio.

2003

Tensile canopies are added to the range, and we start a service to convert existing canopies into fully insulated buildings. Our factory is significantly extended to cope with growing demand.

2006

We design and build a complete garden centre in Carlisle – our largest single project – with the centre incorporating steel and timber framed fully insulated buildings and expansive outdoor canopies.

2010

We blaze a trail in the sustainability field designing and building the Greenpower Centre in West Sussex, incorporating air source heat pumps, straw bale walling, rainwater harvesting, smart lighting and underfloor heating. The innovative build wins a coveted Arun District Design award.

2015

On the back of our growing reputation in sustainability we collaborate with coffee giant Costa and Emission Zero Architects (LINK) to create the UK’s very first zero energy coffee retail outlet. On the back of its huge success, we build two further zero energy ‘coffee pods’.

2020

Our team creates the UK’s largest retail canopy for Simpsons Garden Centre in Inverness with the vast structure measuring 52m x 25m. Demand for ever bigger canopies hasn’t stopped since.

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