Jepson & Co turns 130!

7th February 2024

Sheffield-based world's oldest number plate manufacturer celebrates 130 Years of industrial excellence. Recipient of Regional Innovation and Made in Sheffield Awards.

Jepson & Co, a stalwart in Sheffield's manufacturing community, commemorates its 130th anniversary this year. Since its foundation in 1894, the company has been a proud emblem of Sheffield, evolving from its humble beginnings to a leading figure in the automotive signage and number plate industry. This journey of growth and innovation has been showcased on BBC Look North and BBC Radio Sheffield.

Peter Jepson, Chairman and great-grandson of the founder, George Henry Jepson, shares his thoughts on the company's remarkable evolution: “When I reflect that our business has gone from a 'man-and-a-paint-can' working alone to hand paint numbers onto colliery wagons to a group with £20 million turnover supplying ¼ of the AM100, it’s been a fantastic journey. And, of course, we’ve been Sheffield-based and a family company all the way.”

Jepson & Co's blend of Sheffield's historical heritage with modern technology is evident in its dual-natured facility. Combining the feel of a living museum with the functionality of a state-of-the-art 2024 factory, the company exemplifies the innovative spirit of Sheffield. This unique approach has recently been recognized with the prestigious Make UK Innovation Award (Yorkshire & Humber) and Made in Sheffield Manufacturer of the Year awards, highlighting Jepson & Co’s commitment to excellence and inventive practices. 

The company’s success is deeply rooted in its dedicated team, known affectionately as the 'Women and Men of Steel'. This homage to Sheffield's steel-making legacy reflects the strength and expertise of a team, a surprisingly large number of whose members have served for over 20 years, ensuring the highest standards in number plate production. Not only that, but their representation for women in manufacturing in 3x the UK average with women making up 40 of their team.

Jepson & Co’s story is not just about business growth but also about contributing to the community and industry, as demonstrated through their features on BBC Look North, BBC Radio Sheffield, and Salvage Hunters Classic Cars and their donating 10 of their Modular Sneeze Guard profits to Food4Heroes during the recent pandemic.

For more insights into Jepson & Co's heritage and services, please visit https://jepsonandco.my.canva.site/ahistoryofinnovation

About Jepson & Co:
Jepson & Co, a fixture in Sheffield for 130 years, leads the automotive number plate and signage manufacturing sector. The company is renowned for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, backed by a team of 65 that embodies Sheffield’s industrial spirit. Jepson & Co is a recent recipient of the regional Innovation award for Yorkshire & Humber and the Made in Sheffield Manufacturer of the Year award.

Contact:
Jo Hackett, Marketing Manager
Jepson & Co, 44 East Bank Road, Sheffield, S2 3QN
0114 273 1151
DD: 07950 439408
johackett@jepsonandco.com 
www.jepsonandco.com