The History
Middy International have been in business since 1968 and it is still today a family owned operation. Not many companies can say they have survived both foot and mouth outbreaks, been around when Manchester United won both European cups and grown into an international business supplying over twenty countries worldwide while remaining totally independently family owned.
Middy started when Ken and Gwen Middleton (husband and wife) started making 12 models of floats (yes only 12) in their council house. Ken Middleton (who died in 1991) was an engineer/fully trained toolmaker at the famous Rolls Royce Aerospace plant in Derby. A keen match fisherman with Derby Railway he knew that the floats on the market in the late 60’s were not suitable for his match fishing standard. He therefore created float models suitable for his own personal use.
Ken soon realised that there was a commercial outlet for the floats and sold the first 300 pcs he made to Herbert Blounts shop in Derby. Blounts was the main match shop in Derby at the time. Within a short time other shops were calling Ken Middleton to ask if they could buy! Early customers included Tizlys of Nottingham and Austin Clissett in Birmingham.
By 1969 the business was supplying nationally and Ken and Gwen were working full time in the business. Gwen was fully au fait with the office administration requirement and controlled this, whilst Ken concentrated on making and marketing the products.
The company moved to a new factory in Albert Street in Ilkeston in 1971 and then to a bigger factory based in Borowash in 1975. By the beginning of the 80’s the company was employing 25 personnel and had increased their product range substantially, producing over 125 float models and bite indicators.
Enquiries were now being received from overseas and production constantly struggled to keep up with demand. The introduction to the business of sons David Middleton and Pete Middleton (in 1979 and 1983 respectively), helped to cement the business growth.
The current MD David Middleton took control of product and marketing in the mid-1980s and decided to rapidly increase the product range. Soon the company was offering high class catapults, swim feeders, carp, pike and match accessory items. By the late 80’s the range had grown to over 1000 items, all Middy branded and selling fast. Turnover was well over the £1,000,000 mark and 25% of their output was exported.
In 1996 the company moved to a brand new purpose-built 15,000 sq ft premises in Heanor, and now offer a superb range of capital items in addition to the famous accessories and floats. Production within the factory is now controlled by Pete Middleton. Youngest son Craig Middleton, who joined the company in 1986 is responsible for sales, while Gwen who was there at the beginning still works 3 days a week overseeing administration.
With grandsons Ben, Danny and Kris now working various roles within the company, Middy Tackle truly is an independent family-run business with an impressive past and a bright future.
Ken soon realised that there was a commercial outlet for the floats and sold the first 300 pcs he made to Herbert Blounts shop in Derby. Blounts was the main match shop in Derby at the time. Within a short time other shops were calling Ken Middleton to ask if they could buy! Early customers included Tizlys of Nottingham and Austin Clissett in Birmingham.
By 1969 the business was supplying nationally and Ken and Gwen were working full time in the business. Gwen was fully au fait with the office administration requirement and controlled this, whilst Ken concentrated on making and marketing the products.
The company moved to a new factory in Albert Street in Ilkeston in 1971 and then to a bigger factory based in Borowash in 1975. By the beginning of the 80’s the company was employing 25 personnel and had increased their product range substantially, producing over 125 float models and bite indicators.
Enquiries were now being received from overseas and production constantly struggled to keep up with demand. The introduction to the business of sons David Middleton and Pete Middleton (in 1979 and 1983 respectively), helped to cement the business growth.
The current MD David Middleton took control of product and marketing in the mid-1980s and decided to rapidly increase the product range. Soon the company was offering high class catapults, swim feeders, carp, pike and match accessory items. By the late 80’s the range had grown to over 1000 items, all Middy branded and selling fast. Turnover was well over the £1,000,000 mark and 25% of their output was exported.
In 1996 the company moved to a brand new purpose-built 15,000 sq ft premises in Heanor, and now offer a superb range of capital items in addition to the famous accessories and floats. Production within the factory is now controlled by Pete Middleton. Youngest son Craig Middleton, who joined the company in 1986 is responsible for sales, while Gwen who was there at the beginning still works 3 days a week overseeing administration.
With grandsons Ben, Danny and Kris now working various roles within the company, Middy Tackle truly is an independent family-run business with an impressive past and a bright future.
M.D. David Middleton with son Jonathan.
Pete Middleton tests the gear
Danny one of the third generation
