J Wareing & Sons: 110 years a family business

Today, J Wareing & Son’s bespoke steel framed buildings have a UK customer base across a wide range of industries. When it all began, more than a century ago, two brothers had humbler ambitions, sharing the premises of their woodworking business with a few hens and pigs.

That was in 1909, when George & James Wareing acquired a business from the Jolly family in Wrea Green. The brothers began to trade under the name of G&J Wareing based at Smithy Fold, Wrea Green and they put their joinery skills to use by making and repairing farm carts, wheelbarrows and simple farm machinery. They were also the local village undertakers.

After a quarter of a century, James’ son, Harry Wareing took over the administration of the firm and the name of the company changed: 1936 marked the birth of J. Wareing and Son. The business continued to function with the same principles as it had since 1909 and is now staffed by its fifth generation of the Wareing family.

The company regards itself as pioneers of ‘Kit Building’ which emerged when an enquiry came for a building outside of the Lancashire area from a farmer. As it was too far for a team to travel, it was decided that the company would supply the building in kit form and the farmer would find his own labour to construct the building. This was the first building of its kind and is still standing today.