September 2025 marks a special milestone for MDJ Manufacturing as we celebrate 30 years in business. From humble beginnings in 1995 to the thriving company we are today, the journey has been one of hard work, determination, and continuous growth.

MDJ began in September 1995, starting out in a modest 1,500 sq ft workshop in Hilton. Resources were limited but ambition was not. In fact, Dave Trow’s first workbench was nothing more than a filing cabinet.

In the early days, much of the company’s work involved site installation projects, designed to generate enough funds to establish a proper manufacturing facility. Investment in essential equipment such as guillotines, saws, and welders began early on, with the first notable milestone being the purchase of a Kingsland universal metal worker. Reinvestment has been central to the company’s progress ever since, allowing MDJ to continually expand its in-house capabilities. For example, processes such as laser cutting and turret punching, which were once outsourced, are now carried out on-site. This shift has given MDJ the ability to manufacture complete products under one roof, ensuring greater quality control, faster turnaround times, and less reliance on external suppliers.

The company’s very first contract came from a local seating manufacturer, who commissioned MDJ to produce a variety of brackets. This success marked the start of a growing reputation for precision and reliability. As the client base expanded, so did the need for larger premises. In 2004, MDJ relocated to Sapperton Park, moving into a purpose built, modern facility, which has continued to expand ever since.

In 2009, MDJ became a limited company, formalising its structure for long-term stability. Later, recognition followed with internationally recognised accreditations, including ISO 9001 for quality management systems in 2015 and ISO 14001 for environmental management in 2024, both reflecting the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards.

Today, MDJ Manufacturing celebrates 30 years with more than 30+ highly skilled and dedicated staff, supported by a strong network of suppliers and loyal clients. The company now operates from multiple units spanning 29,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art facilities, a far cry from the modest beginnings of 1995.

Over the years, MDJ has supplied a wide range of industries, building trusted relationships with clients in industries such as agricultural & horticulture, medical, hydraulics, specialist equipment manufacturers, general engineering & transport to name a few. This breadth of experience has not only strengthened the company’s technical expertise but also showcased its ability to adapt and deliver to the exacting standards demanded by different sectors.

Reflecting on this anniversary, Managing Director Dave Trow said: “Looking back over the last 30 years, I’m incredibly proud of how far MDJ has come. We started with little more than determination and a willingness to get stuck in, and today we’re a team of skilled people working across modern facilities in partnership with world class brands, supplying specialist equipment manufacturers. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our team and the support of our customers. This milestone is a celebration of the past, but it’s also about looking ahead – continuing to grow, adapt, and deliver for the next 30 years and beyond.”

The MDJ story is a true testament to resilience and innovation. Over the past three decades, we have faced challenges, embraced change, and continually found new ways to grow and succeed. This milestone is not just about looking back, but about celebrating the people, ideas, and partnerships that have brought us here. As we mark thirty years of progress, we look ahead with optimism, ready for many more years of growth, collaboration, and shared success.