Façade specialist celebrates 90 years in business

Façade and shopfront specialist DML Group is celebrating 90 years of manufacturing for public spaces.
Robert CoppingRobert Copping
Robert Copping

The business, based in Bramley, Leeds, was founded as Drawn Metal in 1924. Its first board meeting was held in December of that year, after the business was launched with 200 £1 shares.

Ninety years later, the business has grown to almost £10m turnover and employs 64 people at its Swinnow Lane site.

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The firm has manufactured products for use in a diverse range of settings, from Leeds’ flagship Trinity shopping centre to the Assembly buildings at the Scottish Parliament.

It has worked on projects for the 1992 Barcelona Games and even one of the Sultan of Brunei’s palaces. DML’s work can also be seen across the capital, at the O2 in Greenwich and London’s famed Regent Street, where most of the bronze shopfronts were created by DML.

Robert Copping, managing director at DML Group, said the business is proud to celebrate its 90th year.

He said: “Reaching this significant milestone is entirely due to the dedication of everyone at the company over the years.

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“Our people are our strength and we’re very proud that some have spent their whole working lives with us. Our philosophy is still based on the founding principles of quality, integrity and loyalty.”

In addition to Drawn Metal, the company also owns DML Architectural Systems, which specialises in external aluminium façades, cladding, windows, unitised and curtain walling.

The group counts some of the world’s leading brands and the UK’s largest main contractors among its clients. Most recently, it won several contracts for retail bank stores, a residential development in central London and a commercial office development in London’s West End.

Mr Copping added: “The company has lived through some major world events and tough economic times.

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“Today we are in very good shape and we can look forward to continuing to grow the business in the years ahead.”

An illustrated, commemorative book showing the full history of the company is currently being produced.

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