Kitchen manufacturer cooks up 40 years of success

Dozens of people from across the UK descended on the North East last week, to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of kitchen manufacturer Callerton.

Held at The Fire Station on Thursday 18 May, the glittering 'Callerton at 40' event toasted four decades of Callerton, while providing attendees with an insight into its bold ambitions for the future.

Since its launch in 1983, Callerton has established itself as a household name in the world of kitchens, boasting a national network of over 30 independent design-led kitchen specialist retailers from Inverness to Surrey and winning multiple industry awards.

Underpinning this has been a continual investment into its Sunderland-based head office and manufacturing base, which now employs around 50 people and oversees its entire UK-wide operation.

And with further investment set to be made into its plant, staff, and systems over the coming months, the firm took the opportunity to announce its plans to continue creating jobs and investing in the region as it looks to the future.

Dawn Short, CEO, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome so many of our partners and customers from across the UK to Sunderland to celebrate this milestone moment for the company.

"Over the past 40 years, Callerton has taken real pride in the fact that it is a North East manufacturer, so it has been fantastic to be able to use this opportunity to showcase the region and our plans for the future as we look to continue creating jobs here in Sunderland and investing in our Pallion plant."

Dawn took over as CEO of Callerton in 2021 having joined as finance director in 2007. The promotion was part of a succession plan implemented by company founders James Herriot and Gordon Stanger-Leathes to sustain its business model as they stepped back from day-to-day operations, while remaining as shareholders.

"The event not only provided us with a great opportunity to share our plans for the future and celebrate our success, but also to congratulate James and Gordon on their remarkable journey which has seen them build Callerton into the brand it is today," Dawn added.

"I was absolutely delighted when asked to take over as CEO and I can't thank them enough for their support since. They have been incredibly supportive, and it was amazing to hear them speak today about how excited they are to see what the future holds as we look to the next 40 years of Callerton."

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "It's been fantastic to see Dawn and the team celebrating 40 years of the company, which is testament to its dedication to constantly innovate and invest in its people.

"We're delighted that they are continuing to invest in the city, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this remarkable local company."

For more information on Callerton, visit: https://www.callerton.co.uk/

For more information on Sunderland as a place to do business, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/business-and-investment