Chandler's Ford: Draper Tools celebrates centenary with fun day for 500

Family-run tool firm Draper Tools has marked 100 years in business with a giant family fun day for current and former staff. It was a day to celebrate the company’s centenary and thank everyone involved in the success of the business.

It was also a day to give back, Draper Tools was joined at the event by its 2019 charity partner and fellow centenarian, Care for Veterans. The charity was presented with a special donation of £10,000 from Draper Tools.

Draper Tools, which employs more than 300 people, hosted the event at its North Baddesley site, putting on live music, games and entertainment for all the family. The site was transformed with colourful decorations, bunting and 100-year anniversary signage in honour of the occasion.

With over 500 people in attendance and the sun shining, the celebrations were hailed as a huge success. Commenting on the day, chairman John Draper said: “As a family business, we wanted to do something special to thank our staff and their families too. We wouldn’t be where we are today without all our hard-working staff, so this was a day dedicated to them. This year is a very special milestone in the history of Draper Tools and Saturday’s celebrations were a proud day for all of us.”

Members of the Draper family were also pleased to present a donation from the company to Care for Veterans. A big cheque for £10,000 was handed over to staff and veterans from the Worthing-based charity, who are also celebrating their centenary this year too. Having been set up at the end of Wold War I, Care for Veterans continues provides long term nursing care, rehabilitation, respite and award-winning end of life care to disabled ex-servicemen and women from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and auxiliary services.

In addition to the donation, the event also raised further funds for Care for Veterans with a cake sale, prize draw raffle and games – including a chance to ‘soak a boss’ in the stocks. Veterans from the charity were in attendance and joined in the festivities, enjoying the day’s activities alongside Draper staff.

While the fun day may be over, Draper Tools is continuing its year-long centenary celebrations with exclusive promotions, monthly competitions and further charity fundraising. Each month sees new special edition centenary products launched at great prices including trolley jacks, pressure washers, socket sets, spanner sets and more.

Established in 1919 by Bert Draper, Draper Tools is still family owned and run today by the third and fourth generation of the Draper family. At 100 years old, the company remains as committed to growth and innovation as ever, having recently made a number of investments as a business, as well as several improvements at its head office facility.