JDP celebrates its 45th anniversary with expansion, growth and investment

2 May 2017

JDP, water management specialist, is celebrating 45 years in water management by driving major investment in new branch openings, continuous branch improvement and upgrades, expansion of sales teams, sales office support, technical services and marketing and trade counter staff.

JDP has dedicated manufacturing capabilities through its partners in Tessenderlo Group and close partnerships with the world’s leading manufacturers of drainage, civil engineering and building products.

JDP provides a one-stop shop for residential, commercial, public and industrial building from a nationwide network of branches, as well as civil engineering, utilities and agricultural projects.

Steve McLellan, managing director, invited local MP Rory Steward (Penrith and Borders) and Val Tarbitt (Cumbria County Council, Longtown Division) for a guided tour of JDPs head office facility in Longtown to learn about JDPs growth and investment plans.

Rory and Val were also shown the Fabrication Department and given a demonstration of the types of fittings JDP now manufacture. Over the last three years, the in-house team has expanded from one employee to five.

Rory Stewart said that JDP have a national imprint and have been one of the most respected distributors of water management systems for almost half a century, and by investing in people demonstrate loyalty to their product and work ethos.

John Davidson Pipes was originally formed by local businessman John (Brian) Davidson who provided drainage pipe systems to farmers and other local trades, whilst running a local coal merchant business with his family in Gretna.

Clay pipes were the first to be sold to the public and the annual turnover was £200,000. Brian quickly opened three more branches of JDP as the business grew.

In 2002 JDP became part of Tessenderlo Group, paving the way for an amalgamation between three regional businesses, Dyka UK, Pipewise and Duraplas, and many of the original staff from these companies remain with JDP today.

In 2003, Steve McLellan took over as Managing Director and has since been instrumental in making the Company a leader in water management by focusing on investment in Training Programmes, Sales Promotion, Technical Support and Design Services.

Visit the JDP website