Products

The Company has survived through the years by adapting to changes in the market. Throughout the later decades of the 20th century there was a slow move away from the traditional “jobbing” nature of a Foundry toward a concentration on our own range of high quality decorative and builder’s ironmongery. Although catalogues from the late 19th century and early 20th century show a range of products for which there is no demand today there are still many products in the current range which are essentially the same having been adapted and developed to meet the demands of the 21st century.  

One example of this is the security demanded by Insurers and Householders alike. By talking to our customers we have been able to adapt our traditional products so that they are lockable. Similarly, our products have always suited traditional timber windows. Recently we have adapted them further so that they become suitable for UPVc windows thus opening  up  a new and exciting market. In addition, new finishes have been developed to offer an increased choice whilst still offering a durable Iron product.

Like many UK manufacturers  we have encountered strong competition from the Far East. It is possible to buy a similar looking product to ours at a much cheaper price. However, we have found that there is a growing market for a high quality British made product. Increasingly the Kirkpatrick name is a watchword for quality within our market sector. We feel that the current vogue for “greener” products can only help us. We are gaining market share from the imported products because of our quality. We are constantly striving to increase our efficiency so that we are better able to satisfy demand. Unlike many businesses we try to maintain high levels of stocks to provide a better service to our distributors.