In 1918 James Henry Ackerman (second generation) moved the business to Folly Mill in Folly Mill Lane. The company's products had evolved to serve local netting industries in refurbishing looms and then during the 1940s & 50s converting hand operated netting looms to semi automatic motorised looms (one of the original converted looms can be seen in the Bridport museum).

By the 1970s the netting industry had changed and it was time for Ackerman to find new markets. Third generation David William George Ackerman moved the product towards sheet metal work, and he was approached by Varta Batteries to produce a secure metal case for a new product development. Having uncovered a relatively new and emerging market David soon outgrew the Folly Mill premises and moved the company to a new purpose built 300M² industrial unit in St Andrews Road.

The St Andrews Road premises served the company well allowing the company to specialise in and too expand its sheet metal knowledge, introducing computer controlled machinery during the 1980s & 90s and laser cutting at the turn of the century.

Today under the leadership of fourth generation Graham David Ackerman, 2006 saw further expansion to new premises with a purpose built 1600M² industrial unit at Gore Cross. With sights firmly set on the future, Ackerman Engineering once again have the space and foundations for further growth.

If you'd like to know more, please contact us.