The History Of Don-Bur

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Early Career and Development

Don Burton began his career in the commercial vehicle industry in 1949 at Hassells, a coachbuilder in Portland Road, Stoke-on-Trent.

He then worked for Metalcraft, who made coaches, before he joined the army on 11th January 1952 as part of the Coldstream Guard regiment, where he stayed for 2 years.

After leaving the army in 1954, Don started at Tom Byatt (Engineering) Ltd, a van dealership and bodyshop, at the princely rate of 1/10 ½d per hour. That’s the equivalent of 9 pence per hour in new money.

Being a keen and talented footballer, in 1955, he left Tom Byatts and grasped the opportunity to play at a professional level for Derby County where he played the demanding number 8 position. Sadly, an Achilles tendon injury put a premature end to his professional career and he went back to Tom Byatts in 1956.

Progression at Tom Byatts

Don continued to advance at Tom Byatts, which had been taken over by Settle Speakman. In 1960, the thriving Tom Byatts expanded with a new coachbuilding shop and Don was selected to be foreman until 1962 when he became General Manager; typically working 12 hours per day and 7 days per week.

Turbulent Times and Transformation

The early 1970s brought significant change when Slater Walker launched a hostile takeover bid but before the takeover was officially announced to the board, Settle Speakman opted to sell off its assets. As a result, Tom Byatt was sold to the Bristol Street Group which also happened to own its own bodybuilding arm, Welford Engineering. Tom Byatts was merged with Welfords and Don Burton took over management of both interests under the name Welford Truck Bodies.

The Birth of Don-Bur

In 1979, the Bristol Street Group faced financial difficulties, nearing bankruptcy. Recognising an opportunity for independence and growth, Don orchestrated a management buy-out of Welford Truck Bodies which completed in 1981. When planning the buy-out, Don initially proposed naming the company "Punch Trailers" as a tribute to his early boxing prowess. However, due to Welford Truck Bodies already being affectionately known as "Donny Burtons Trailers," it was decided to shorten this to "Don-Bur."

The team moved from the original Tom Byatt location and Don-Bur started on a 4-acre fabrication site with just 70 members of staff.

Growth and Diversification

Since its founding, Don-Bur has evolved into a multifaceted organisation. Today, Don-Bur (Bodies & Trailers) Ltd comprises several divisions within the Stoke-on-Trent area:

• Main 24 acre manufacturing plant, located on the original Mossfield Road site.
• Two service divisions.
• Curtains and cargo control division.
• Graphics house specialising in vehicle livery.
• Parts division.
• Light Commercial Vehicle service centre.

Leadership and Legacy

Under the leadership of Don Burton's son, David Burton, Don-Bur remains committed to innovation, integrity, and excellence. From its humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent to its current global presence, Don-Bur continues to uphold the values instilled by its founder, ensuring a legacy of quality and customer satisfaction.

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Published: Tue 16 Jan 2024

Updated: Thu 27 Jun 2024