The History of FW Abbott

Following an engineering apprenticeship at Kettering farm equipment supplier G Lewis & Sons, and a stint at the Tomkins’ farm at Moorfield Lodge, Orlingbury, Fred Abbott started his eponymous commercial, agricultural & plant repairs business out of a caravan at Manor House Farm, Isham at Easter, 1963.

The First 20 Years

Over the first 20 years, the business changed location frequently, and operated across several workshops. They went from two sites at Main Street, Little Harrowden and Church Street, Burton Latimer; to a larger workshop at Syndey Street, Kettering; and then on to Wilson Terrace, Kettering.

In these early years, Fred’s wife, Grace would drive 1,000+ miles a week up, and down the country collecting spare parts. Meanwhile, Fred would deploy engineers to the surrounding area and keep track of their whereabouts using radio telephones with a 15 mile radius.

No "E" In FW Abbott

Technology was embraced early on where available. This included acquiring a typewriter for greater professionalism in correspondence and invoicing. Unfortunately, budget limitations meant the only affordable model had a known fault, with a missing letter “E”, which had to be added in afterwards by hand. Not an insignificant task for the most common letter in the English language, but at least it doesn’t feature in FW ABBOTT.

Another feature of these early years was that most of the machinery, such as the mobile welding machine, was made at home by Fred.

George Cohen Cranes

In the 1970s, Fred’s biggest customer was George Cohen Cranes, which took 3 men working full time to maintain their fleet, including daily travel into Luton and London. When that business closed in 1979, it looked like FW Abbott would be forced to close with it.

Fortunately Fred persevered, and brighter times were to come, albeit not without challenge.

Wilson Terrace Workshop

The Wilson Terrace workshop in the middle of Kettering started to cause difficulties for Fred and neighbours alike. The council were therefore very encouraging for the business to move to a new site on the edge of town. This was agreed, and the current main workshop on Orion Way became the first building to be erected on the new Pytchley Business Park in 1983.

Perfect Spot for a HGV Workshop

Although not known at the time, as well as providing much needed extra space, this location would prove to be an excellent strategic site for servicing the commercial vehicles that would ultimately use the not-yet constructed A14, which was completed in 1991 – an outstanding stroke of luck.

Another proud example of home-made vehicular machinery was conceived soon after moving to Orion Way. Fred took a 2 axle rigid Volvo (left hand drive to make exiting the cab on busy roads easier), cut out the middle to elongate the wheelbase and added a crane arm to create his own recovery vehicle.

DAF Partnership

Unfortunately (we should say fortunately!), FW Abbott’s DAF partnership started soon after in 1984; it wasn’t a good look to be turning up in a Volvo, so the truck was sold.

Under the new DAF partnership the business continued to trade strongly, and focus began to pivot from farm and plant machinery to commercial HGVs. A car garage was also established in a smaller workshop opposite.

Kettering Premier Commercial Service Centre

Having gone from a caravan in Isham, to Kettering’s premier commercial service dealer over 41 years, Fred decided it was time for retirement. In 2004, the Burton family, local business owners and large customers of Fred’s via Barton Petroleum, acquired FW Abbott Limited, and the company’s story continued under new ownership.

If the first 40 years were characterised by Fred’s entrepreneurial drive and creativity to meet any challenge thrown his way, the next 20 years were known for steady growth and acquisition of the neighbouring premises.

The large unit opposite owned by Midland Forklift became available and was purchased in 2006.

2022 Growth

In December 2022, the end of terrace unit previously occupied by RTW printers was purchased, enabling us to knock through into the car garage to double its size. We then rebranded this FW Abbott Autocentre.

Van Hool bus depot in Wellingborough

Most recently, in October 2025 our parent company acquired the former Van Hool bus depot in Wellingborough, which included a 4 bay workshop. This will see FW Abbotts expand into premises in Wellingborough for the first time.

Colin Ridgeway

FW Abbott’s General Manager Colin Ridgeway reached a rare milestone in 2025 as he entered his 50th year with the company, having joined the business as a 15 year old apprentice in 1975.

Dedication to FW Abbott

At his interview, when asked what he did in his spare time, Colin explicitly told Fred he did not play football, not wanting to appear undedicated to his newly chosen profession as a mechanic. Fred soon learned this wasn’t true, as Colin not only played football regularly but would go on to be a prominent manager in men’s football locally. Fortunately, Colin was quickly forgiven and it was found that his dedication to FW Abbott could never be called into question.

Still Family Run

FW Abbott remains family owned, albeit not by the Abbott’s, however a nice twist in the company’s story is that Fred’s grandson, Edward Elkin, joined the business as an apprentice in 2023 and has fast become an excellent technician in his own right with a bright future.

FW Abbott, 1963 – onwards!!

We take pride in delivering dependable service you can return to year after year.