The Beekeeping Beginnings
It all started in 1878 when Mr. E.C. Walton, a passionate beekeeping lecturer, embarked on a mission to make beekeeping more accessible. Recognizing that the prices of beehives were too high for his students, he decided to take matters into his own hands. The Walton Muskham Beehive Works was born, marking the beginnings of what would later become Waltons Garden Products.
A Shift in Focus
As the Victorian era gave way to the 20th century, Walton found a new calling amidst the societal challenges of the time. The prevalence of tuberculosis, known as "consumption" in those days, sparked Walton's ingenuity. Providing accommodation for those seeking the “healing powers” of fresh air became his new endeavour, leading to the transformation of his enterprise into E.C. Waltons & Co.
Shed Expansion and Innovation
With excellence at its core, Waltons garnered accolades and expanded its operations. In 1927, E.D.L. Walton, son of E.C. Walton built a modern factory in Sutton-on-Trent, laying the foundation for the company's enduring legacy, still operating in the same location today. This era saw the birth of innovative products, including bungalows that epitomized quality and craftsmanship. As demand grew, Waltons became synonymous with superior design and reliability, setting new standards in the industry.
Weathering the War
The tumultuous years of World War II brought unprecedented challenges, with the Waltons factory requisitioned for wartime storage. Despite the hardships, resilience prevailed, and in 1945, B.C.D. Walton assumed leadership, steering Waltons back to its roots – crafting summerhouses, greenhouses, and, most notably, sheds. It was during this period of rebuilding that Waltons solidified its reputation for resilience and adaptability, emerging stronger than ever before.
A New Era of Shed Innovation
As the '70s dawned, sheds emerged as Waltons' flagship product. With a focus on innovation and diversification. Their vision propelled sheds into the forefront of garden building, shaping the landscape for decades to come. By introducing new materials, designs, and features, Waltons revolutionized the shed industry, catering to evolving customer needs and preferences.
Embracing Change and the Online Marketplace
The dawn of the digital age heralded a new chapter for Waltons. Embracing change, the company invested in state-of-the-art facilities to meet the growing demand. In 1998, a brand-new warehouse and processing facility signalled Waltons' commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. As the 21st century unfolded, Waltons embraced the digital revolution, venturing into the online retail space to cater to customers nationwide. This shift towards e-commerce not only expanded Waltons' reach but also enhanced the overall customer experience, making it easier than ever for customers to access premium garden buildings and accessories.
Today: A Legacy of Excellence
In the present day, Waltons stands as a testament to quality, innovation, and customer-centricity. Every product is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations, honouring the legacy established by Mr. E.C. Walton well over a century ago. With a diverse range of garden buildings, including sheds but also log cabins and insulated garden rooms, Waltons continues to set the standard for durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Join us as we continue to evolve, innovate, and uphold the Waltons way – a tradition rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to our customers' satisfaction.
Come with us to look back at the history of Waltons and how we grew from our humble beginnings all the way back in 1878, to becoming one of the UK's premier garden building retailers.
