Komfort Partitioning, a provider of high-quality partitioning solutions and FIS member, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Since its incorporation with Barry Bates in 1973, Komfort has been dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services to customers in the UK and around the world.
So, what was Komfort like in 1973!
No-one knows more about the early history of Komfort Partitioning than founder Barry Bates. Barry visited the team at Komfort Crawley in February 2023 to mark setting up the company in early 1973.
Whilst the company was not fully incorporated until 3rd May 1973, Barry, his family and team were hard at work in the warehouse in South Godstone from 26th February. Starting with only a few hundred pounds, he didn’t stop grafting until he sold the company, with a turnover of £21m, to Hicksons in 1989. His core product then was the Komfort 600 series, closely followed by Komfire, which are still firm favourites today.
Standing in the warehouse, where Komfort moved in 1983, Barry recounted how Komfort got its name. When asked ‘what is it this company will do?’ he wrote on a piece of scrap card ‘Comfortable Offices’ then crossed out the ‘C’ and replaced it with a ‘K’ and Komfort was Konceived.
Barry guided and grew Komfort throughout the 70s and 80s, negotiating the 3-day week and a recession. Having grown up on a Council Estate in New Addington his pure grit, nouse and determination is undeniable and when catching up with the people he worked with ‘back in the day,’ they all remembered his incredible drive and commitment, and have more than a few amusing anecdotes about his management style.
When we visited the new offices in Whittle Way (which will house the whole of Komfort South from summer 2023) a large poster showing staff images from the 1990s caught Barry’s eye. He could name practically everyone in the line-up and he still talks about the industry, and people within in it, like he left the business yesterday.
Our celebrations
To mark this milestone anniversary, Komfort is looking back on its rich history and celebrating the achievements that have made the company the success it is today. Take a look at Komfort’s celebratory website pages showing faces old and new. https://www.komfort.com/50-years-in-partitioning-1973-2023/
Komfort now
From its early days as a small family-owned business to its current status as a leader in the industry, Komfort has always remained true to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Over the past 50 years, Komfort has established itself as a trusted name in the partitioning industry, known for its innovative designs, superior quality, and outstanding customer service. With a wide range of products, including glazed partitions, solid partitions, and sliding walls, Komfort has helped businesses of all sizes create flexible, functional workspaces that meet their unique needs.
Looking to the Future
As Komfort looks forward to the next 50 years, the company is excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With a continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer service, Komfort is poised to continue its leadership in the partitioning industry and help businesses create the flexible, functional workspaces they need to thrive.
Komfort Partitioning would like to thank all of its KRC’s, customers, partners, and employees for their support over the past 50 years.
Here’s to the next 50!