Our History

Stanbridge has been manufacturing bedpan washers since 1956, giving us 70 years’ experience. Here are a few key highlights from our journey:

1924
In its very early days, C.A.W Stanbridge (as it was known when it started in 1924) was a firm of bicycle engineers! It was formed by Stan Ashbridge (hence the company name).  Read more about our bicycles to bedpans journey.

1930
Stanbridge turned its engineering talents towards accurate weighing scales. These innovative products took the guesswork out of selling goods by weight and helped healthcare professionals determine a person’s weight with far greater accuracy.

1948
The birth of the NHS meant that hospitals and care facilities needed better equipment.

1950
Stanbridge saw the opportunity and, by 1950, had started manufacturing commode bucket washer-disinfectors.

1956
Stanbridge bedpan washers were manufactured in New Cross, South London. Our first ever machine was bought by Brighton General Hospital, which, at the time, also owned 50 nursing homes. In fact, Brighton General Hospital has still been buying our machines and equipment all these years later.

On the 3rd October 1956, the official seal for Stanbridge was adopted.

1960
In the mid-1960s, manufacturing moved to Bromley Common.

1970
In 1970, John Beaumont took full control of Stanbridge, and the worksite moved to Horsley Road as Bromley Common was soon outgrown. It was recognised that healthcare wasn’t just about clinical equipment, it was about improving the quality of life. That’s when reclining baths were added to the Stanbridge product range.

1986
Stanbridge updated its name from C.A.W Stanbridge Limited to Stanbridge Limited

1987
Of course, manufacturing large bathing equipment takes up a lot more room than weighing scales and washer-disinfectors. It was then that Stanbridge moved to St Mary Cray.

1994
Stanbridge have been meeting quality standards for decades. We have been meeting BS EN ISO 9001 SINCE 1994!

1995
23rd June 1995 – WRAS comes in. Stanbridge are proud that our machinery was meeting water byelaws before this.

2004

Saw production and office staff grow.

2009
Sadly, John Beaumont passed away in December 2009 with ownership transferring to the Beaumont Family Trust, comprising of Mrs Mavis Beaumont and Company Chairman John Wells.

2018
We made the strategic decision to focus solely on bedpan washer disinfectors and ceased manufacturing assisted bathing equipment.

Stanbridge relocates to a new modern site at Questor Park, Dartford.

2020
Expanded the team to provide expertise far beyond the supply of equipment, including specialist advice, talks, training, servicing and maintenance for modern sluice rooms to ensure compliance.

2025
Continue to provide interactive talks at conferences across the UK.
New slipper pan with lid.

2026
This year we celebrate our 70th anniversary!

Stay tuned for new updates.