In 1938 the brothers Joe and George Hall set up a small forging operation under the name of Standall, on the site of an old mine at Mickley Lane near Sheffield, supplying drill bits and small forging machines for both home and export markets.
The Second World War brought significant changes to Standall as, due to MOD requirements, it diversified its manufacturing operation to include a new product; forged Anchor Spikes. These were used for securing towlines to extract bogged down tanks and fighting vehicles, more especially in the western desert. These products are still being supplied today.
During the 1950s Standall developed a range of contractors’ tools, which were sold both nationally and internationally. A reputation for quality of product and service was born. The small forgings machine operation was subsequently phased out to concentrate on this new product range.
In 1987 the construction tools and soft rock mining business of Edgar Allen Mining Products was acquired and integrated into Standall’s existing forging operations. That acquisition added a sizable machine shop facility enabling Standall to enter the rapidly expanding market of power tool accessories for hand-held electrically powered hammers.
The closure of the majority of the British underground mining activity signalled a dramatic reduction in the soft rock products, but this coincided with a substantial increase in international sales of pneumatic tools, together with increased sales of a wider range of electric and hydraulic excavator-mounted demolition tools. Once again, the company showed the ability to adapt dynamically to the changing circumstances of the market place.
Throughout its 70 year history Standall has only changed ownership twice; once in 1978 when the Hall brothers retired, and again in 2000 when the current owners took up the challenge of maintaining Standall’s ‘family business’ reputation of traditional quality whilst earning a new reputation for flexibility and innovation enabling Standall to compete in a progressive world.
Partly because of this family business atmosphere, the company has benefited from many long service employees. It is their loyalty and wealth of experience that has significantly contributed to the success of the company and has underpinned the quality and flexibility of its operations.
During September 1992, Standall achieved the quality standard accreditations to BS 5750 and ISO 9002. Over the years we have updated our systems as the international standards have changed and we are currently accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2000.
The company maintains vigilance towards market developments and preferences. Whilst aware of Health and Safety issues in the construction industry Standall undertook in 2002 an innovative project by developing a patented SVR™ (Standall Vibration Reduction) system that helps to reduce Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) to the user. This system was subsequently added to the product range.
Standall is currently overcoming new challenges with increased investment in production equipment, technology and implementation of modern techniques that further improve customer service. New materials and products are being sourced and introduced, as the company continues in its endeavours to supply a higher quality product, delivered on time and at a price that gives exceptional value for money.
