One of Birmingham’s oldest manufacturing companies is using high-tech engineering to recreate shop blind and awning components not made since the art deco 1920s.
Aston-based Hopkins is using 21st century engineering to manufacture the complex trellis arms used in 1920s shop awnings.
Originally developed after the First World War, the trellis arm awning was found on many premises in the period between the wars.
Traditionally made of bronze, most trellis arms were plundered for their scrap metal value, but now Hopkins is reviving their manufacture, making them in their original bronze or from steel.
The arms are milled on computer-controlled machines in Hopkins’ precision engineering department, assembled with modern parts and plated to the customer’s specification. Each trellis arm is made to order, with high levels of strength and durability.
As well as manufacturing new trellis arms to original or bespoke patterns, Hopkins also re-conditions original arms, bringing them back to full working order. During the restoration process Hopkins uses a wide range of techniques, including physical and chemical cleaning, painstakingly polishing the individual components and patinating the bronze to give it a beautiful antique finish. The company also offers a range of finishes to suit any shop front or specification.
Hopkins’ Brian Averill, who developed the revival of the trellis arm system said, “Our staff at Hopkins have become extremely adept at producing these complex shop blind arms. Using modern technology we are able to produce accurate and consistent parts and there is yet to be a challenge we haven’t met.”
Hopkins has seen the renaissance of the old-fashioned shop blind and is now getting orders from companies all over the UK. Hopkins has been supplying traditional awnings for several years, but spurred on by this latest retro development, sales of shop blinds and fittings have trebled in the last year alone.
The blinds died out from British street scenes after the war, but thanks to the trend towards café culture, they are now seeing a re-emergence. And that trend has meant a big business boost for Hopkins, which has been manufacturing in Birmingham since 1750.
Hopkins managing director Alex Hopkins said, “We have remained faithful to the original concept, but introduced modern manufacturing techniques to reduce cost, cut down on production time and improve quality. Traditionally, the blinds would have been made by a blacksmith, but using modern technology we can produce high quality trellis arms, individually made to customer specifications, in a fraction of the time.”
Alex Hopkins added, “The number of companies producing blinds is shrinking and the customer has less choice. At Hopkins we are proud that we can offer the customer a traditional product that is different and made exactly to their specifications.”
Hopkins, based in Jameson Road, specialises in making and supplying high quality, bespoke blind, awning and shutter rollers and associated components. The company, which has been in Birmingham since the 18th century, also has a precision engineering division. The family-owned company combines the very best traditional Birmingham engineering skills with the latest computer controlled precision manufacturing.
