Crown Imperial is fully operational and has not ceased trading, says MD Barry Head
Crown Imperial is fully operational and has not ceased trading, says MD Barry Head
Kitchen furniture manufacturer Crown Imperial has issued a statement on behalf of MD Barry Head addressing rumours circulating in the industry media about the closure of the company, and reassuring employees and customers that this is not the case. This follows the release of a statement from sister KBB distribution brand Waterline that revealed it is beginning a process of seeking external investment to secure the future of the business.
“Crown Imperial would like to announce it has not ceased trading, and its factory in Herne Bay remains fully operational," said Barry Head. "As a result of Waterline facing financial challenges, Crown Imperial has chosen to pause deliveries to the Newport Pagnell depot as of the 5th of September 2025."
It added: "Crown Imperial would like to reassure its employees and customers; it’s currently in the process of seeking further clarity as Waterline looks for a route forward in the marketplace.”
The company was originally founded in 1946, when Len Head, a former Royal Air Force pilot, began crafting wooden toys, which evolved into a line of nursery furniture sold from a shop on Fulham High Street in London, marking the start of Crown Products. Throughout the 1950s, the company expanded into contract furniture, producing desks and chairs for local councils. In 1959, Crown relocated to a small factory in Herne Bay, Kent, where Len’s son, Michael Head, joined and eventually became MD.
Crown continued to grow through the 1970s, and in the 1980s it began focusing on kitchen furniture. In 1987, it opened its purpose-built 100,000sq ft production facility, and in the 1990s Michael’s sons Barry and Martin, joined the business. Crown Daventry, a 15,000sq ft showroom, was opened in 2000. By 2006, the company celebrated its 60th anniversary, offering over 6,000 products. Two years later, the launch of the Crown Lifespace collection introduced home office and storage solutions.
Today, the third-generation family business, is one of Britain’s largest manufacturers supplying independent kitchen retailers. Turnover for the Crown Group, which includes Waterline, the UK’s largest distributor of kitchen furniture, appliances, sinks, taps and ancillary products, now exceeds £50million.
Tags: kitchens, news, crown imperial, barry head, waterline
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