Makefast Ltd was founded in 1974 by Bill and Brenda Brown and David Bray. The only equipment they had was a second hand lathe, a fly press and a TIG welding set. Initially, the plan was to make and supply stainless steel strip shackles to the world, and the nautical term ‘Makefast’ seemed appropriate. Unfortunately the world didn’t value Makefast’s offerings and continued to buy cheaper ones from Spain!
However, despite this initial set back, they had gathered the expertise in knowing how to do was manufacture items in stainless steel. Bill Brown was also able to design new products and tooling, and Makefast therefore began producing rings, D-rings and small boat fittings. During this period, Makefast were based in Swanwick near the Hamble River in Hampshire, so they also made special fittings for local yachtsmen. At that time, canopy fittings were mostly made from gun metal, and so Bill designed items in stainless steel and nylon to improve the quality. This eventually became a very popular and comprehensive range which sold not only in the UK, but across Europe as well.
During the next few years they worked very closely with Crewsaver Ltd. based in Gosport, designing buckles to their requirements, which brought Makefast into supplying the whole safety industry in time. In 1979 came the terrible Fastnet Race tragedy after which all the safety standards changed, but Makefast was able to implement this for their products and grow their customer base. So from making sliding bar buckles for Crewsaver they now produce safety buckles for many industries.
In 1982 David Bray decided he wanted a change and his share of the company was taken over by David Cozens. He and Bill and Brenda have worked together ever since. Makefast continued to expand slowly and in 1989 moved their operation to a brand new factory in Newtown, Mid Wales which has proved to be a very successful move in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Despite the rapid growth and investment over the years, Makefast have kept the fly press for old time’s sake!