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Our History

Fort Vale was founded in 1967 by Edward S. Fort OBE, originally manufacturing parts for the road tanker industry.

 

 

 

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1967

Where it all began

Fort Vale Engineering was established in Colne, Lancashire, UK.
The first component made was a 2 1/2” cast iron, 3-way valve for fuel oil delivery tankers supplying heating oil to residential properties.

1975

Parkfield Works

In 1975 Fort Vale purchased larger premises in Nelson, Lancashire, UK.
With a workforce that was growing in experience and skillsets, Fort Vale expanded and improved its product range.

1978

Ian Wilson

Ian Wilson joins Fort Vale and introduces the company's first computer - an 8k Commodore PET.

1981

Queen’s Award

Awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.

1982

Fort Vale Inc

Fort Vale Inc was established in Houston, USA.

1984

UK Expansion

Nelson's manufacturing facility was expanded by the acquisition of the Valley Mills complex.

1986

Queen's Award

Awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement for the second time.

1987

E. S. Fort - OBE

Ted Fort, Founder and Chairman, receives an O.B.E. for services to industry.

1989

Fort Vale BV

Fort Vale BV was established in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

1999

South Valley Foundry

South Valley Foundry was constructed and commissioned.

2002

Fort Vale Shanghai Ltd

Fort Vale Shanghai Ltd manufacturing plant was established in China.

2006

Fort Vale Singapore

Fort Vale Pte Ltd was established in Singapore.

2008

UK expansion

Fort Vale moves its head office and manufacturing facility to new state-of-the-art premises in Simonstone, Lancashire, UK.

2008

Queen's Award

Awarded the Queen’s Award For Enterprise: International Trade: 2008, Fort Vale's 3rd award.

2013

Queen's Award

Awarded the Queen’s Award For Enterprise: International Trade: 2013, Fort Vale's 4th award.

2014

Research and Development Facility

A new Research & Development facility was opened by HRH the Duke of Kent KG.

2017

50th Anniversary

Fort Vale celebrates its golden 50th anniversary!
In 2017, the number of employees is over 350 people.

2017

Fort Vale Australia

Fort Vale Australia Pty Ltd was established in Queensland.

2018

UK Foundry expansion

The foundry was re-located to a larger, purpose-built premises in the same location as the head office and manufacturing facility.

2018

Wilson Fort Sports Centre

In June 2018, Fort Vale UK opened the on-site Wilson Fort Sports Centre, a leisure facility for the health and well-being of employees. The centre includes a state-of-the-art gym, sports hall and climbing wall.

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Fort Vale Engineering Limited
Calder Vale Park
Simonstone Lane
Simonstone
Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 7ND
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1282 687120

Fax: +44 (0) 1282 687110

Email: sales@fortvale.com

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Fort Vale is a company registered in England & Wales | Company Registration No: 00902920

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