Heritage

Established in 1890

Our Heritage

J S Wright was founded in Birmingham in 1890 by jobbing plumber John Shilvock Wright. The family firm that took his name was at the forefront of tackling the city’s Victorian slums, bringing the benefits of clean air, pure water and affordable heating to homes, schools and factories.

Personal service, quality workmanship and sheer hard work, along with a determination and commitment to improve quality of life, have throughout our history led us almost 130 years later to the dynamic, high-tech, and highly reputable and responsible business that we are today.

An industry leader in energy saving and carbon reducing technologies, we are now proud to be the mechanical and electrical services contractor of choice for multi-million-pound projects in the Midlands, London and beyond. We are recognised as expert specialists in a wide range of markets from hotels, homes and leisure centres to offices, student residencies and extra care schemes.

All our employees pride themselves on their work. Many choose to develop their entire careers with us with the help of our innovative development programmes and the support of senior staff, many of whom have been with us since they were apprentices.

Ever courteous and helpful, we are a happy company that nurtures and maintains a family relationship between ourselves and our customers and suppliers. This is reflected in our high percentage of repeat business and the countless testimonials we receive from satisfied customers. Their support is much appreciated as we look forward to being of service for another 130 years.

Phil Leech
Managing Director

1890

1890 John Shilvock Wright receives certificate of registration for plumbing business.

First office opened at 102 Moor Street, Birmingham

1906

Move made to larger offices at 85½ Dale End

1920s

William Edward Shilvock Wright, younger son of founder, becomes managing director

1929

Hot and cold water facilities installed for all bedrooms at Grand Hotel, Birmingham

1940s

Government contracts awarded for munitions and armaments factories and armed forces camps

1950s

Overseas projects include new Parliament building and royal palace in Baghdad

1957

William Wright pictured with JSW employees in year elected Solihull Mayor

1958

Steam heating system designed and installed for JCB factory in Staffordshire

1961

Third office move to 4 Bartholomew Road

1961

Third office move to 4 Bartholomew Road

1968

J S Wright bought by architectural hardware group Newman Tonks

1987

Management buyout by Edwin Moore, David Osborne and Peter Marsh

1990

Services installed for Birmingham’s new five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel

2005

Fourth office move to Atlas House in Aston

2007

Combined Ibis and Etap at Birmingham Airport marks 50th hotel completion for Accor Group

2008

Launch of J S Wright Academy for company apprentices. First two employees qualify as CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants. Winner of Building Services Journal M&E Contractor of the Year award.

2010

5,000th student apartment equipped in Birmingham at Bagot Street

2011

First £10 million contract awarded for Mint Hotel, Tower of London

Named HVAC Contractor of the Year at H&V News Awards. 1,000th new home completed in London.

New London Office opened

2012

Awarded PAS99 standard for integrated management system

2013

Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry at H&V News Awards.

Launch of Foremen’s
Academy in conjunction with Dale Carnegie.

2014

Biggest-ever value package of services worth £18m for Indescon Court in London. Management structure strengthened with new tier of Associate Directors