45 Years of British Manufacturing: The JDR Story

From humble beginnings to a thriving manufacturing operation, JDR was founded in 1980 when Ken Wharrad turned a passion for making things into reality. While working shifts at British Aluminium, he spent evenings and weekends building a rolling mill by hand in his parents’ garage. Crafted with determination and ingenuity, that single machine enabled the production of TV aerials and the launch of Aerial Supplies – laying the groundwork for something far greater.

Growth came quickly. Before long, the garage was no longer enough, prompting a move to the company’s first premises – an old air raid shelter in Redditch –  followed soon after by further expansion. The timing couldn’t have been better. The CB radio boom drove soaring demand for aerials and with momentum building, Ken made the leap to focus on the business full-time. It was never a solo effort. His wife Rosemary joined the business, managing administration while raising their young family, laying the foundations of a company built not just on hard work, but on strong family values.

Innovation at the Core

Inside the workshop, creativity never stood still. New ideas turned into machines and those machines unlocked further opportunities. Ken’s natural problem-solving ability led to the development of custom-built equipment and an ever-expanding product range.

Family life also inspired diversification. The business moved into designing and manufacturing children’s play equipment, producing swings, slides and climbing frames from aluminium tubing. These products combined durability with imagination, reflecting both craftsmanship and creativity.

As JDR evolved, larger contracts followed. Supplying major brands such as Betterware marked a significant step forward, yet the company retained its hands-on approach. On the factory floor, Rosemary could often be found assembling mop handles herself – a reflection of the dedication behind every order.

A New Generation Steps In

Growing up around the business, David Wharrad was involved from an early age, helping out during school holidays. Alongside this, he pursued a career as a retained firefighter, balancing both roles for over a decade and often leaving the factory at a moment’s notice to respond to emergencies.

Eventually, the pull of the growing business became undeniable. In 1998, David joined full-time, bringing fresh perspective while continuing the legacy his parents had built. A major milestone followed in 2013 with the relocation to JDR’s current site in Nuneaton. This move unlocked new manufacturing capabilities, supported local employment, and demonstrated the loyalty of the team, so much so that one employee relocated their entire family to remain part of the company.

Expanding the Vision

Under David’s leadership, alongside his wife Rachel, JDR has continued to innovate and diversify. Today, the company is a trusted manufacturing partner, producing precision-engineered components for industries ranging from gardening and food production to construction – quietly supporting well-known brands across the UK and beyond. But the entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there:

• 2017: TruDomes launched, offering modular aluminium geodesic domes that quickly gained popularity in the glamping and events sectors – even appearing at the top of London’s O2 as a festive snow globe.

• 2022: RapidGB was introduced, delivering rapid deployment shelters for emergency response teams, from decontamination units to command centres.

Now operating as a multi-brand manufacturing group – JDR Products, TruDomes and RapidGB – the business delivers a full-service offering, from concept and design through to production.

Built on Coverage, Driven by Values

Behind the success lies real risk and determination. Starting a business while raising a young family—and putting their home on the line—required courage. Through hard work, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to quality, JDR didn’t just survive – it thrived. Those same values remain at the heart of the business today.

Looking Ahead

“As we celebrate our 45th year, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built,” says Managing Director David Wharrad. “From aerials and play equipment to domes and emergency shelters, our journey has always been driven by innovation and teamwork. We’re grateful to our customers, our staff and everyone who’s been part of the story so far. Here’s to the next chapter.”

To learn more about JDR Products and its family of brands, visit Our Brands page.