A Norfolk family business that has handcrafted timber garden buildings for more than 50 years celebrated its heritage and skills on National Manufacturing Day earlier this month.
Crane Garden Buildings, founded in the 1970s and still run by the Crane family today, has grown from a small local enterprise into a highly respected name in garden rooms, sheds and summerhouses.
Despite its national reach, the company remains proudly rooted on a 34-acre site in Narford, West Norfolk, where its team of around 100 employees include craftspeople who design, build and finish every product.
Owner James Crane said: “National Manufacturing Day gives us the chance to celebrate not just what we make, but the way we make it.
“We’re proud to be a family-run company that has stayed true to its Norfolk roots while building a national reputation.
“The dedication of our team, many of whom have been with us for years, is what makes our buildings stand out – and it’s a tradition of craftsmanship we’re determined to carry forward.”
This year, the company marked National Manufacturing Day with a new ‘Norfolk Grown’ video, showcasing the people and processes behind its buildings and underlining the firm’s commitment to keeping skills and employment local.
The film also took viewers inside the workshop to show the intricate joining process that gives each building its strength and finish, as well as the company’s bespoke operating system that ensures every stage of production runs with precision and consistency.
Crane uses responsibly sourced Scandinavian Redwood, chosen for its denser grain, resistance to moisture and warping – all essential for outdoor buildings exposed to the elements.
Traditional joinery techniques combined with modern technology create buildings that can be used year-round. Each structure is handmade to order and finished with a choice of paints and roofing styles, plus installation is carried out by Crane’s own skilled team.
As part of its golden anniversary celebrations last year, the company unveiled a state-of-the-art robotic paint line at its headquarters, officially opened by the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
The investment marks a major milestone for the business, marrying traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, and demonstrates Crane’s commitment to keeping high-quality manufacturing firmly rooted in Norfolk.
National Manufacturing Day is an annual UK-wide celebration of the manufacturing sector and is organised by Make UK.
Manufacturers up and down the UK open their doors to the public for open days, tours and events, offering a behind-the-scenes at modern factories and exploring the variety of skilled, well-paid jobs available, from school leavers and graduates to those looking to retrain or shift careers.
