Our History
A timeline of our air con and refrigeration firm
Formed in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in the 1930s, we started life as a plumbing and electrical contractor. Working only in the local area, we’re now even prouder to be the trusted contractor to a wealth of companies up and down the country.
We’ve always embraced fresh ways of working. We moved into the growth industry of commercial refrigeration following the Second World War, and later, in the 1980s, followed market trends into air conditioning.
Of course, we’re still based in Huddersfield and we’re immensely proud of our Yorkshire heritage. Merging solid, honest principles with modern technologies, we’ve fast become one of the north’s leading contractors.
In 2024, we celebrated a staggering 90 years as a limited company and we’re looking forward to taking on the next 90 years with the same enthusiasm and commitment that has served us so well to date.
Company Founded
The 1930s was a notable decade in lots of ways, not least because we came to be. Originally launching as an electrical and plumbing business, we were founded by Mr Crowther and Mr Shaw, both based here in Huddersfield.
Refrigeration Industry
In the 1940s, refrigeration was a new and emerging industry – and we soon began working (and making our mark) within it.
Air Conditioning Industry
During the 1980s, we expanded into air conditioning supply during the infancy of the UK market.
Mark Gledhill Joins
It was in 1985 that Managing Director, Mark Gledhill, joined the business, then taking on the role of an apprentice Refrigeration Engineer.
We Moved
To accommodate company growth, the 1990s saw us move from Huddersfield town centre to larger premises in the nearby village of Honley.
Cold Room Construction Arm
In the noughties, we introduced a cold room construction arm, taking employee numbers to over 50.
Change of Ownership
Towards the end of 2007, a change of ownership saw former apprentices Martin Howlett and Mark Gledhill acquire the company.
On the Move Again
By 2008, the team said goodbye to the company’s Honley base, as Crowther & Shaw returned to its roots and took up a unit near Huddersfield town centre.
New Managing Director
In 2011, Mark Gledhill became Managing Director. Meanwhile, Martin Howlett left the business.
Continued Growth
Following continued growth, Crowther & Shaw moved to its existing Huddersfield location: Unit 23, The Ringway Centre.
90 Years in Business
The year of the Covid-19 pandemic saw us celebrate (under lockdown restrictions, probably!) 90 years in business.
Acquisition of MAP Mechanical
In 2024, we completed the strategic acquisition of MAP Mechanical, allowing us to offer a full Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) package under one roof.
Time to Celebrate
Former apprentice-turned-Managing Director, Mark, celebrates 40 years of service within the business. Earlier in 2025, our longest-serving engineer, Robert Turner retired after a staggering 46 years of service.
