Denne Joinery was born from the G H Denne business with origins dating back to 1803. Denne was founded by William Denne, son of a Kentish Yeoman, who had started training as a bricklayer on August 11, 1770.
In 1887, the business was listed as a builder, contractor and funeral director. Like many building firms of the time, Denne’s skills were put to good use in the winter building coffins – the beginning of a joinery business to come! At the end of the Second World War, Denne’s business became significantly involved in helping rebuilding efforts as the country recovered.
Denne remained a family business until the early 1970s when it was acquired by Mr Earnest Kingsman (who was also Mayor of Canterbury for some time), with Denne Joinery established as a dedicated joinery business within their DMA Group.
In 2003, the current headquarters, factory and workshops were built, and were opened by Graham Tong (oldest serving employee) and Kieran Needham (first-year apprentice). The finishing workshop was named after and opened by Graham Tong in 2018.
In 2006, the construction side of the business was sold to a Dutch Company, Heijmans NV, as part of its expansion into the UK, with Denne Joinery remaining within the DMA Group, sitting alongside its M&E installations and building maintenance services.
In 2023, Waterfield Hill Limited proudly acquired Denne Joinery, immediately investing in facilities, machinery and people to allow the business to seamlessly focus on creating high quality joinery products.
Whilst Denne Joinery has seen ownership changes over the years, its focus on high-quality joinery and service has remained constant.
A PROUD HISTORY DATING BACK TO
1803
George Henry Denne founded Denne Joinery at their original family workshop site in Deal, with a focus on the manufacturing of wooden coffins.
1946
Post-World War II, Denne Joinery, was a significant player in the efforts to repair and rebuild homes and significant landmarks in East Kent.
1972
The local mayor Mr. Earnest Kingsman purchased Denne Joinery – moving the workshop from Deal, Kent to the village of Wingham, Kent.
1981
The site at Bramling, Kent was purchased, with the purpose-built factory officially opened in 1982.
1992
Denne Joinery was selected by the main contractors to help repair and rebuild Windsor Castle after the renowned fire that destroyed part of Queen Elizabeth II’s home.
2000
First £1 million contract awarded for Canterbury Cathedral Education Centre, which awarded Denne Joinery a Timber Industry Award.
2013
The Duke of Kent came visited the Denne Joinery workshop in support of significant businesses who make an impact in the East Kent region.
2018
Spray shop facility officially opened and named after Graham Tong who, at the time, was the longest-serving member of the team, having worked for Denne for 47 years.
2023
In 2023 Waterfield Hill Limited proudly acquired Denne Joinery, immediately investing in facilities, machinery and people to allow the business to seamlessly focus on creating high quality joinery products.
2024
An exciting future beckons for Denne Joinery.
Meet Robbie Loomer, the Operations Manager at Denne Joinery, and learn about his stellar rise and journey from apprentice to management at just 27.
Meet Mel Phillips, our Central Services Manager. With 27 years of service, and counting, there is not a lot about Denne Joinery Mel does not know or hasn’t help shape in some way.
Meet Darren Sayer, Denne Joinery’s Senior Estimator, and discover why “…if you cut me open, you’ll probably see Denne Joinery written on the inside…”.
