history
Wates Group has a proud 112 year history as an independent family owned company. In 1897 Edward Wates and his three brothers set up the first Wates Company.
During the 1920s and 1930s Edward's sons, Norman, Sir Ronald and Allan, expanded the company by pioneering speculative house building and then extended their activities into general contracting.
During the Second World War, the company built aerodromes, army camps, factories and most notably, developed a speciality in constructing pre-cast and in situ reinforced concrete barges and floating docks. The company supplied major parts of the Mulberry Harbours that were towed across the Channel after D-Day.
After the War, the company used this knowledge of pre-cast concrete to develop high-rise and low-rise industrialised housing systems and built over 60,000 houses and flats using these techniques. Property development was also added to the core housing, contracting and plant businesses.
Today, Wates has more than 2,000 employees and 12 offices across the UK.
family
The Wates Group has been wholly owned by the Wates family since its inception in 1897. Wates combines the longevity and commitment of a family business, with the best aspects of a plc.
supporting communities
Wates is committed to supporting communities where we work and live and making a tangible difference to people’s lives in deprived areas. We have a number of programs designed to make a real difference.
wates values
We all want Wates to be the very best. Being the best means upholding the great reputation Wates has built over 110 years. The Wates Way is underpinned by the family values that the Wates family brings to the business.
