Company History

Suncrest Surrounds Limited was incorporated in 1970…. "Suncrest" was actually the name of a boat owned by the original proprietor. The Company, operating from its premises in Peterlee, County Durham, specialised in the manufacture of timber mantelpieces and business grew steadily throughout the 1970's. In 1984, Suncrest became part of what is now Jourdan plc. The product range expanded to electric suites in 1986 with fires fitted to create a complete electric fireplace unit.

In 1988, Suncrest merged with Squires Copper based in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire. Squires produces decorative components for the fireplace industry. In 1994, the Company acquired the Kenholme Bruno electric appliance operation and entered the electric fire market. Suncrest also began the manufacture of resin mantelpieces recreating stone, marble and cast metal effects in 1997.

In November 1998, a fire destroyed 95% of the Company's circa 70,000 square feet headquarters and main production facility in Peterlee. The cost of the blaze was estimated at £10M. However, within a week the Company was back in business making timber and resin fireplaces working from Portakabins and small premises in Peterlee. In 2000, Suncrest moved into its new electric fire and marble facility in Peterlee and in March of that year the move was completed with the transfer of its main timber and resin production facility back to the site of its previous headquarters which had been completely re-built as a state-of-the-art facility.

In April 2004, the Suncrest Java suite was named “Best New Product of 2003” at the highly prestigious Durham & Wearside Business Awards (sponsored by Barclays Bank and the Journal newspaper) - an acknowledgement that the Company remains at the forefront of cutting edge design.

In 2005, Suncrest celebrated its 35th Anniversary. In June of that year, John Corby Limited, the world leader in trouser press manufacture, moved its manufacturing base to Suncrest's facilities in Peterlee to merge operations with its sister Company.

Fashions may have changed over the years but Suncrest fires and fireplaces continue to transform rooms and homes throughout the country. That is why Suncrest is still regarded as the UK's leading dedicated manufacturer of quality fires and fireplaces.