ABOUT US
A trusted portable buildings manufacturer since 1979
Manchester Cabins was founded in the spring of 1979 by Frank Rothwell. Frank began his career as a portable building manufacturer by building his first cabin on the drive of his family home. The cabin promptly sold after being advertised in the Oldham Evening Chronicle. Despite the complaints by neighbours about his incessant hammering, Frank Rothwell was convinced he could build a viable business manufacturing cabins. Manchester Cabins is now proudly a leading portable building manufacturer and provider of containers and portable buildings to customers throughout the North West and across the nation.
OUR PAST HISTORY: 1979-1984
Legend has it that in Spring 1979 Frank Rothwell built his first cabin, after a full days graft, on the drive of his family home. He sold it after a single advert in the classifieds of the Oldham Evening Chronicle. Following this success, he built another one and also sold it after one night in the classifieds. Unsurprisingly, the neighbours complained to the council because of the enthusiastic hammering, but Frank now had the belief that he could make a success of manufacturing cabins.
While called “Frank Rothwell Plant Hire” Frank rented a garage near Fielding Mill, Radclyffe Street, Middleton, Manchester to manufacture Cabins. 5th April 1979 Frank employed David Proctor who has had uninterrupted service to this day.
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RELOCATE TO MANCHESTER – 1ST CABIN IN HIRE FLEET – 1ST HIAB 1984-1987
1984 proved to be a significant year. Frank Rothwell Plant Hire was renamed Manchester Cabins and the first commercial property was purchased: 688 Oldham Road, Miles Platting, Manchester. Manchester Cabins quickly expanded into adjacent properties, formally Louis Edwards Meat Factory. With this acquisition came the current Boardroom table where it is believed that Louis Edwards signed George Best for Manchester United. Also the 1st hire cabin entered into the Hire Fleet and the 1st Wagon Mounted Hiab Crane was purchased.
EXPONENTIAL GROWTH- 25,000 SQ FT PURPOSE BUILT FACTORY
1979-1984
To cater for the exponential expansion a 25,000sq.ft. Purpose built factory was built on Drewett Street, Miles Platting. In 1987 a revolutionary method of construction was introduced where the walls were prepared on a press and injected with Polyurethane foam instead of the traditional stud walls and polystyrene sheet insulation.
DELAYED MOVE TO NEW 52,000 SQ FT FACTORY – 1ST BUNKABIN IS DESIGNED 1992-2001
In November 1989 the first spade was sunk for a 52,000 sq.ft. purpose-built factory again in Miles Platting on the Junction of Oldham Road and Hulme Hall Lane. Unfortunately demand for cabins was hit significantly during the recession so we delayed moving in until 1992. The Bunkabin was designed and proved to be an instant success.
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FOCUS ON HIRE OF CABINS, BUNKABINS AND CAR PARKS!
2001-2018
Once the strategic decision was made to manufacture predominantly for Manchester Cabins and Bunkabin’s hire fleets, a smaller factory was required. We re-located to Tweedale Way, Oldham at a great strategic location just off junction 22 of the M60. Frank also pioneers Portable Multi-storey Car parks and sets up Another Level Car Parks.
40-YEARS CELEBRATIONS & THE NEXT GENERATION
2019 – NOW
In 2019 we celebrated 40 years in business with old employees, distinguished guests, suppliers, and our families for a Manchester Cabins Knee ups. Frank decides to take on new Challenges like doing a solo row across the Atlantic to raise money for Charity. Luke and Su take over the running of the business (officially) and set a course for the future.
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YOUR LOCAL, PORTABLE CABIN MANUFACTURER
Trusted for over 37 years and with an impeccable reputation, there's no reason not to choose Manchester Cabins. We are your trusted portable cabin manufacturer and are here to help you find the perfect portable building for your needs. Call us today to find out more or to get a free quote.
0161 684 3333
