Hargreaves Foundry
Hargreaves Foundry is a 140-year-old UK iron foundry in Halifax manufacturing cast iron rainwater, soil, drainage, and street furniture products. It serves UK contractors, architects, heritage/conservation projects, and municipal clients through a national merchant distribution network and bespoke manufacturing from 100% recycled scrap iron.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1881
- HeadquartersHalifax, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Hargreaves Foundry does
Hargreaves Foundry is a UK-based iron foundry and drainage product manufacturer headquartered in Halifax, West Yorkshire, operating continuously since before 1881. The business operates as Hargreaves Foundry Group, comprising two divisions: a foundry with an in-house pattern shop that manufactures iron castings (pattern making, moulding, finishing), and Hargreaves Foundry Drainage Ltd, which handles warehousing, distribution, fabrication, finishing, and painting of drainage products.
The company's core products are cast iron rainwater, soil, and drainage systems sold under the Premier Rainwater (BS 460), EN 877 Halifax Soil & Drain (BSI Kitemarked, A1 fire rated), Traditional Express (TX) push-fit, Premier LCC Soil (BS 416), and Mech 416 ranges, plus a cast iron street furniture line. Manufacturing processes include centrifugal casting with integral sockets, sand moulding using resin-hardened sand, fettling, shot blasting, and application of epoxy, polyurethane, and bitumen coatings. All castings are produced from 100% recycled scrap iron sourced locally. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, BSI Kitemark, and full compliance with BS 460, BS 416, and BS EN 877 standards.
Hargreaves generates revenue through one-time sale of standard and bespoke cast iron products, distributed exclusively via a UK network of builders' merchants and specialist distributors (PBSL Group, Wolseley, Keyline, MKM, Travis Perkins, Cast Iron UK, and others), with direct-to-site delivery for large enterprise projects. Pricing is quote-based via a downloadable trade price list and is not publicly disclosed. Customers span contractors, architects (via the NBS Source specification platform), heritage and conservation bodies (including work for the Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower, King's Cross, Manchester Town Hall), local government, and artists commissioning bespoke castings. Chairman Michael Hinchliffe leads the company; PBSL Group references a stakeholder relationship, though no formal equity structure is disclosed.
Hargreaves Foundry firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hargreaves Foundry
- Legal name
- Hargreaves Foundry
- Website
- https://hargreavesfoundry.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1881
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Hargreaves Foundry is a 140-year-old UK iron foundry in Halifax manufacturing cast iron rainwater, soil, drainage, and street furniture products. It serves UK contractors, architects, heritage/conservation projects, and municipal clients through a national merchant distribution network and bespoke manufacturing from 100% recycled scrap iron.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hargreaves Foundry industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cast Iron Drainage and Rainwater Products
- NAICS
- Iron Foundries (331511), Ferrous Metal Foundries (33151)
- SIC
- Iron & Steel Foundries (3320)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metal Melting & Secondary Smelting/Refining (Recycled Feedstock Producers) (EUAIAJAJ)
Keywords
Where Hargreaves Foundry is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Halifax
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Hargreaves Foundry business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Cast Iron Product Sales: One-time sale of cast iron rainwater, soil, and drainage products. Revenue is generated through direct purchase of standard and bespoke products via the trade price list. Products are sold through merchants and distributors (B2B) and directly to large project contractors. Pricing is volume-dependent and quote-based for bespoke items.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard product range accessible via trade price list for merchants and distributors |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bespoke / made-to-order cast iron products |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Hargreaves Foundry product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hargreaves Foundry manufactures and supplies cast iron rainwater, soil, drainage, and street furniture products, plus bespoke iron castings, for UK contractors, architects, merchants, and heritage/conservation projects. The company operates its own foundry in Halifax (covering pattern making, moulding, and finishing) and a separate drainage division for warehousing, fabrication, finishing, and distribution. Six core product ranges are offered: Premier Rainwater (BS 460), EN 877 Halifax Soil And Drain, Traditional Express (TX), Premier LCC Soil (BS 416), Mech 416, and Street Furniture, all backed by BSI Kitemark and ISO 9001:2015 certifications.
Product overview
Hargreaves Foundry Drainage Ltd offers a comprehensive portfolio of cast iron rainwater and drainage products. The core offering includes six distinct product lines: Premier Rainwater (BS 460) as the UK market-leading rainwater system; EN 877 Halifax Soil And Drain for socketless mechanically jointed drainage; Traditional Express (TX) push fit soil system; Premier LCC Soil for traditional BS 416 applications; Mech 416 mechanically jointed system; and Street Furniture for bollards, benches, and bins. The company provides standard product ranges plus extensive bespoke manufacturing capabilities through their foundry, serving contractors, architects, and merchants in conservation, heritage, and modern construction projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Premier Rainwater (BS 460) Cast iron rainwater system manufactured to and fully compliant with BS 460, comprising gutters, pipes, fittings, and hoppers (34+ hopper designs). Available in grey transit primer or 2pk polyurethane high gloss black finish, with 8 standard gutter profiles and RAL/BS colour options. Bespoke personalization (dates, letters, embellishments) and made-to-order radius gutters are available. Targeted at contractors, architects, and merchants on heritage and modern projects.
- EN 877 Halifax Soil And Drain Socketless/hubless, mechanically jointed cast iron above and below ground drainage and wastewater system compliant with BS EN 877:1999 +A1:2006 and BS EN 877:2021, using ductile iron or stainless steel couplings. Finished with two-part epoxy coating (red for above ground, grey for below ground) and achieving A1 fire rating and BSI Kitemark certification. Targeted at contractors and specifiers on commercial, healthcare, and high-rise projects (e.g., QA Hospital Portsmouth, Milburngate Durham, multi-storey car parks).
- Traditional Express (TX) Push fit cast iron soil system with the appearance of traditional cast iron but no caulking or sealing required. Socketless/hubless pipes connect via loose sockets (plain or eared) containing EPDM rubber gaskets for a watertight seal. Externally painted black gloss, internally finished in two-pack yellow epoxy. Targeted at contractors on refurbishment projects where a traditional look is desired with modern installation speed.
- Premier LCC Soil (BS 416) Traditional black bitumen coated cast iron soil system manufactured to BS 416, providing socket and spigot pipes and fittings for above ground soil and waste, joined using traditional caulking cord and sealant method. Designed for conservation and heritage projects where a traditional appearance and jointing method are required.
- Mech 416 Mechanically jointed socketless cast iron system for above ground soil drainage, finished in matt black epoxy coating. Available in 50mm to 150mm diameters, fully compliant with BS 416. Uses two-piece ductile iron couplings, lighter and easier to handle than traditional socket and spigot systems, with low noise operation and 100% recyclability. Suited to refurbishment of apartment blocks and multi-storey car parks.
- Street Furniture Cast iron street furniture range including bollards, benches, litter bins, grates, and airbricks in classic and contemporary designs, valued for strength, reliability, and durability. Targeted at local authorities, public realm projects, and heritage sites.
- Bespoke Cast Iron Manufacturing Custom cast iron manufacturing service covering unique castings created by skilled craftsmen to bespoke designs, including radius gutters, ornamental rainwater heads, extended offsets, unusual angles, and special bracketry. In-house fabricators can alter all standard products to exact specifications. Supported by a strong network of partner foundries and includes drawing take-off and site survey services. Targeted at heritage, conservation, and architectural projects requiring non-standard components.
Quantifiable outcome
- Cast iron installations have been proven to last well in excess of 100 years with minimal maintenance
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Hargreaves Foundry
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Hargreaves Foundry technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Hargreaves Foundry partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PBSL Group (Professional Building Supplies)corePBSL Group has maintained a 'cast iron' partnership with Hargreaves Foundry since 2010, supplying Hargreaves' premium cast iron range through specialist websites and Professional Building Supplies branches across the UK. PBSL describes itself as a stakeholder in Hargreaves Foundry. The relationship is described as one built on quality, trust, and expertise.
- WolseleycoreWolseley has maintained a 16+ year working relationship with Hargreaves Foundry. Wolseley Drainage Specialists recommend Hargreaves products as top of their recommendations, with site visits offered as a valued service.
- Cast Iron UKcoreCast Iron UK is a dedicated supplier of Hargreaves Foundry products with a working relationship spanning over 20 years. Describes Hargreaves as 'a credit to the UK's manufacturing industry' with exceptional technical capabilities, product quality, and customer service.
- Shepley Engineers LtdcoreShepley Engineers Ltd is the main customer for Hargreaves' ongoing restoration work on the Elizabeth Tower and Palace of Westminster, a relationship that began in 2013 and has continued for over 9 years.
- NBS (National Building Specification)coreHargreaves Foundry Drainage products are listed on NBS Source, the leading platform for architects, specifiers, and construction professionals. Products include Half Round Gutters, Traditional Express, LCC Soil, and more, optimized for seamless integration into building designs.
- KeylineminorKeyline Regional Sales Manager Gary Moore describes a multi-year relationship with Hargreaves, praising product range, service, and support across sales, technical, and external teams.
- Crossling NewcastleminorCrossling Newcastle placed orders for Halifax Soil EN 877 for the Milburngate, Durham development, ordering over 800 meters of pipe and 1,200+ ductile iron couplings.
- MKM Building SuppliesminorMKM Building Supplies is a UK builders' merchant with a distributor relationship for Hargreaves cast iron drainage products.
- Waterworks Plumbing Supplies LtdminorWaterworks Plumbing Supplies has won projects using Hargreaves' Halifax Soil system, including Blackpool Multi-Storey Car Park and QA Hospital Portsmouth, showcasing the system to main contractors.
- Travis Perkins WimbledonminorTravis Perkins Wimbledon placed order for Hargreaves Traditional Express (TX) soil system for the Romney Court refurbishment project in Shepherd's Bush, London.
- SIG Roofing DudleyminorSIG Roofing Dudley placed the order for bespoke cast iron rainwater products at Himley Hall, Dudley, acting as intermediary between Hargreaves and the heritage site.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Hargreaves Foundry competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Wavin (Osma): Global plastic pipe and drainage systems manufacturer whose Osma brand dominates the UK soil and drain market, providing the principal plastic alternative to Hargreaves' cast iron offering.
- ACO Technologies: Global drainage and water management solutions provider with a strong UK presence in commercial and infrastructure drainage, an adjacent incumbent to Hargreaves' cast iron drainage range.
- Alumasc Exterior Building Products: Established UK building products manufacturer offering aluminium and cast iron rainwater and drainage systems, overlapping with Hargreaves' rainwater range but across a broader product portfolio.
- Brett Martin: UK manufacturer of rainwater, drainage, and roofline systems, with cast iron-style and plastic alternatives that overlap with Hargreaves' rainwater and soil ranges.
- Polypipe (Terrain): Major UK manufacturer of plastic piping, soil, and drainage systems under the Terrain brand, competing with Hargreaves' cast iron systems in mainstream construction.
Direct peers
- Yeoman Rainguard: UK manufacturer of rainwater systems in cast iron, aluminium, and other metals, competing head-to-head with Hargreaves' Premier BS 460 range in heritage and new-build specification.
- IGP (Industrial Gutterware Products): UK-based cast iron rainwater and gutterware manufacturer serving heritage and conservation projects, directly comparable to Hargreaves in product range and customer base.
- Saint-Gobain PAM UK: Saint-Gobain PAM is the dominant UK and European manufacturer of cast iron soil, drain, and rainwater systems, directly competing with Hargreaves' Halifax and Premier ranges in specifier-driven and commercial projects.
Others
- JDP (John Davidson Pipes): UK distributor of drainage, sewerage, and water management products, comparable to Hargreaves' merchant and distributor channel partners and indicative of the trade route-to-market.
- Marsh Industries: UK-based manufacturer of drainage, sewage treatment, and rainwater management products, with overlapping customer base among UK contractors and merchants.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hargreaves Foundry social profiles
Digital presenceHargreaves Foundry compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Hargreaves Foundry financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hargreaves Foundry leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Hargreaves Foundry funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hargreaves Foundry M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hargreaves Foundry
What does Hargreaves Foundry do?
Hargreaves Foundry manufactures and supplies cast iron rainwater, soil, drainage, and street furniture products, plus bespoke iron castings, for UK contractors, architects, merchants, and heritage/conservation projects. The company operates its own foundry in Halifax (covering pattern making, moulding, and finishing) and a separate drainage division for warehousing, fabrication, finishing, and distribution. Six core product ranges are offered: Premier Rainwater (BS 460), EN 877 Halifax Soil And Drain, Traditional Express (TX), Premier LCC Soil (BS 416), Mech 416, and Street Furniture, all backed by BSI Kitemark and ISO 9001:2015 certifications.
Is Hargreaves Foundry a public or private company?
Hargreaves Foundry is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Hargreaves Foundry founded?
Hargreaves Foundry was founded in 1881. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Hargreaves Foundry based?
Hargreaves Foundry is headquartered in Halifax, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Hargreaves Foundry make money?
One revenue line is on record: cast Iron Product Sales.
Who are Hargreaves Foundry's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Wavin (Osma), ACO Technologies, Alumasc Exterior Building Products, Brett Martin and Polypipe (Terrain). Direct peers are Yeoman Rainguard, IGP (Industrial Gutterware Products) and Saint-Gobain PAM UK. Others are JDP (John Davidson Pipes) and Marsh Industries.
Does Hargreaves Foundry have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hargreaves Foundry.
What industry is Hargreaves Foundry in?
Hargreaves Foundry's product category is Cast Iron Drainage and Rainwater Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAIAJAJ, Metal Melting & Secondary Smelting/Refining (Recycled Feedstock Producers). Its NAICS code is 331511 and its SIC code is 3320.