In the mid 19th century Francis Smart and his sons Frederick & George were cabinet makers in Gloucester.
Frederick Smart walked from Gloucester to Birmingham where he traded in joinery and woodwork and was soon joined by his younger brother George.
The brothers rented premises in Slaney Street which was not far from Snow Hill Station and F & G Smart was established in 1870. They manufactured shop furniture and were joined by George's father-in-law who was a brassfounder and patternmaker from Aston.
In the early days, before electricity, all of the machinery was powered by one large steam engine. This turned a series of shafts, pulley wheels and belts which transmitted the power to the individual machines as required. With the advent of electricity the steam engine was replaced with an electric motor.
George was very progressive and with the help of his son George Stanley Smart they aquired and established other businesses including the Birmingham Coach and Motor Brassfoundry Company, Smart and Parker Cycles and G.S. Smart & Co.
During World War 1 they manufactured ammunition boxes for the Ministry of Defence.
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George Stanley's son, Norman Stanley Smart started work at the Birmingham Coach and Motor Brassfoundry Company and soon moved it to the Slaney Street premises about 1926.
Norman Smart was supplying coffin furniture and horse drawn carriage fittings which were cast in the foundry, together with high quality shop fittings and display equipment. In 1926 they purchased a light fitting company that supplied specialist light fittings, mainly to churches and museums.
During World War 11 they produced components and assemblies for spitfires, stirling and Lancaster bombers.
Norman Stanley's son, John Smart joined the business in 1953 and was responsible for moving the company to more modern premises in Highgate Road in 1959. In 1962 they purchased 'Townsends' who produced shopfittings and bakery equipment. The range included wedding cake stands and icing turntables, mainly for the export market.
Johns son, Nigel Smart joined the business in 1977. A new showroom was created and the business continued to expand at such a rate that it outgrew the Highgate Road premises.
In 1989 the company moved to its present address at Tyseley Industrial Estate where it has an extensive showroom, large warehouse and plenty of parking and loading facilities.
In 2005 F & G Smart (Shopfittings) Ltd in the hands of the fifth generation of the same family celebrated its 135th anniversary, while in 2007 a new website was launched with the continued support from the many long standing customers, staff and suppliers the company looks forward to an exciting future.
Move forward to 2008, and whilst the world is in a state of financial crisis and the credit crunch hits every one, F & G Smart Shop fittings is rising to a new level. As more customers become more price conscious they are searching around more. By still offering the best possible prices and the best service to the retail shop fitting market we have managed to obtain an astounding growth with both new and existing customers. Our range has increased with us now offering Tegometall Shelving Arneg Shelving (AMX 35) Caem Shelves Zaf Shelving Systems LaFortezza Shelving Store-it Direct Storage Racking Aluminium Display Cabinets and Display Cases Glass Gondola Units and Refrigeration. We also offer Leasing Options to make it easier for those just starting up or wanting a complete refit.
