The Legacy of ATF Supplies

In the heart of Hampshire, a company’s legacy was forged, rooted in timber and nurtured through generations. The Andover Timber Company, founded in the early 1900s, marked the inception of a journey that eventually transformed into ATF Supplies. In this blog post, we embark on a historical voyage to uncover the fascinating story of ATF Supplies, a company that has stood the test of time and continues to thrive today.

The Andover Timber Company – Where It All Began

Our story begins with the Andover Timber Company, a timber enterprise founded in the early 1900s. For over three decades, this company played a significant role in shaping the timber industry in the area. However, by the 1970s, the Andover Timber Company changed hands, marking the end of an era. But the founding family’s entrepreneurial spirit persisted.

The Family Farm

The founding family has links in farming going back to the mid 1940’s, with land being acquired around the Andover area for the arable, dairy and beef enterprise. Dairy farming was given up in the mid 60’s, making way mainly for the arable enterprise which continued until 2000.

Abbotts Tree Nursery

The late 1980s brought the concept of diversification into focus. Embracing this idea, the family founded Abbotts Trees, a tree nursery named after Abbotts Ann, the village where their family farm was based. As time passed, the nursery expanded its product range, incorporating fencing and sundry items. Thus, Abbotts Trees & Fencing was born. However, the nursery was eventually given up in the 1990s to sharpen the focus on fencing and landscaping materials.

ATF Supplies

By 1995, the family’s venture had evolved significantly. The company was no longer just about trees; it was an abbreviation of Abbotts Trees and Fencing – ATF Supplies. The business diversified even further, offering a wide range of products to the fencing, agricultural, horticultural, forestry, landscape, and construction industries. The journey was transforming from timber to a broader landscape of possibilities.

By 1999, ATF Supplies had outgrown its original farm-based premises. The company’s growth necessitated a move to a larger site, offering more storage space and superior facilities. The relocation occurred in early 1999, and ATF Supplies set up its new premises just outside Andover on Foxcotte Lane in Charlton.

ATF Supplies Today

Today, ATF Supplies has undergone yet another transformation. The company has established its new premises on the Walworth Business Park, being run by the founders great-grandchildren. This move has significantly improved logistical efficiency and provided more convenient storage facilities, enabling ATF Supplies to serve its customers even better. Throughout its storied history, ATF Supplies continues to leverage the invaluable experience gained over the years in the timber industry, striving to provide its customers with nothing less than the best.