Our History
Fort Vale was founded in 1967 by Edward S. Fort OBE, originally manufacturing parts for the road tanker industry.
1967
Where it all began
Fort Vale Engineering was established in Colne, Lancashire, UK.
The first component made was a 2 1/2” cast iron, 3-way valve for fuel oil delivery tankers supplying heating oil to residential properties.
1975
Parkfield Works
In 1975 Fort Vale purchased larger premises in Nelson, Lancashire, UK.
With a workforce that was growing in experience and skillsets, Fort Vale expanded and improved its product range.
1978
Ian Wilson
Ian Wilson joins Fort Vale and introduces the company's first computer - an 8k Commodore PET.
1981
Queen’s Award
Awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.
1982
Fort Vale Inc
Fort Vale Inc was established in Houston, USA.
1984
UK Expansion
Nelson's manufacturing facility was expanded by the acquisition of the Valley Mills complex.
1986
Queen's Award
Awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement for the second time.
1987
E. S. Fort - OBE
Ted Fort, Founder and Chairman, receives an O.B.E. for services to industry.
1989
Fort Vale BV
Fort Vale BV was established in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
1999
South Valley Foundry
South Valley Foundry was constructed and commissioned.
2002
Fort Vale Shanghai Ltd
Fort Vale Shanghai Ltd manufacturing plant was established in China.
2006
Fort Vale Singapore
Fort Vale Pte Ltd was established in Singapore.
2008
UK expansion
Fort Vale moves its head office and manufacturing facility to new state-of-the-art premises in Simonstone, Lancashire, UK.
2008
Queen's Award
Awarded the Queen’s Award For Enterprise: International Trade: 2008, Fort Vale's 3rd award.
2013
Queen's Award
Awarded the Queen’s Award For Enterprise: International Trade: 2013, Fort Vale's 4th award.
2014
Research and Development Facility
A new Research & Development facility was opened by HRH the Duke of Kent KG.
2017
50th Anniversary
Fort Vale celebrates its golden 50th anniversary!
In 2017, the number of employees is over 350 people.
2017
Fort Vale Australia
Fort Vale Australia Pty Ltd was established in Queensland.
2018
UK Foundry expansion
The foundry was re-located to a larger, purpose-built premises in the same location as the head office and manufacturing facility.
2018
Wilson Fort Sports Centre
In June 2018, Fort Vale UK opened the on-site Wilson Fort Sports Centre, a leisure facility for the health and well-being of employees. The centre includes a state-of-the-art gym, sports hall and climbing wall.