The History of Lang & Potter

At the end of WWII Ronald Potter and Fernley Lang, decided to set up a business retrimming vehicles, both having completed apprenticeships at Mumford Ltd in the 1930s. There was a shortage of private cars and virtually any vehicle was restored. It is believed that they initially rented premises at the rear of St Mary's Bridge Garage, but soon moved into premises in Market Road. The Company was registered on 3rd September 1946 as Lang and Potter (Coachtrimmers) Ltd. The Company was to remain here for the next 44 years.

During this period the firm undertook several related projects such as furniture upholstery, carpet laying, the manufacture of canvas goods and boat trimming and upholstery. These ancillary activities were to become the seeds of future expansion. In the late 60s Lang & Potter were involved in providing the upholstery for the very first boats built by Marine Projects, the Project 31

David Potter, the current MD, joined the Company in April 1973. After Ronald's death at the end of 1976, David continued to expand the Company including adding more vehicle related products, such as the supply and fit of sunroofs and vehicle rustproofing.

In the 1980s there were some major changes, the Company successfully tendered for work for the MOD, Susan Potter joined the business to run this contract, and the whole business moved to a new site at Newnham Industrial Estate into a purpose-built factory in Galileo Close, which remains the Head Office until the present day.

During the 1990s further expansion occurred including additional work with the MOD. At the same time there was expansion of upholstery services into commercial business to business markets as well as domestic markets. In 1993 Rachel Potter, David’s daughter joined the company.

In 2001 the Company opened negotiations with Marine Projects (now Princess Yachts) to take over the manufacture, supply and fit out of all Princess vessels internal and external furniture, carpets covers and linings, providing a ‘one stop shop’ service. This expanded the business and at this juncture it was decided that the Company should be split into different divisions and so Lang & Potter (Marine), Lang & Potter (Flooring) and Lang & Potter (C/T) were created and in due course Lang & Potter (Holdings) as the parent entity.

Lang & Potter has continued to expand and diversify, the business now occupies and additional large site at Langage Industrial Park. 75 Years later the business is still run by the family, Rachel and David are joint MDs and employ over 250 employees, we have a very experienced and remarkable team, all the achievements, past, present, and future are thanks to the skill, dedication, pride and hard work of all staff.