History

We have been manufacturing agricultural implements since 1951. Norman Cousins was born in 1922 and started off as an apprentice blacksmith in Outwell at the age of 14.

Norman’s reputation as a blacksmith had gone before him and although he was only equipped with the basic tools of his trade, his forge, anvil, hammer and tongs, he was soon busy. One local farmer was so keen to see Norman do well that after having had a good harvest he paid for a whole years’ worth of repair work up front. That man was Fred Deptford, and his family are still valued customers today.

As well as repair work for local farmers, he made new implements to traditional designs and using his metal working skills made a diverse range of products including wrought iron gates and furniture. He even made and installed pylons and aerials to enable people in the Fens to receive T. V. signals for the first time.

The business prospered with Norman’s hard work and his wife Betty’s gift for the finances. After building an extension and employing more men they decided to exhibit at their first show in 1960. On their first day they sold 22 harrows and they never looked back.

Over the years new implements were invented that were patented and which earned silver medals at several country shows. Although Norman was a showman, he was there to sell and his complete confidence in his products often enabled him to come home to Emneth with a full order book, causing the forge to work 7 days a week to keep up with orders.

Normans son John carried on developing the business over the years with Norman looking over his shoulder proudly as the business grew. John expanded the business considerably with innovations and a growing number of customers who appreciated his tough reliable and long lasting machinery.

The business stays in the family to the present day now being supervised by Normans grand daughter Laura.