About us

In the year HMV and Gucci were founded, Frisby Wade was also seeking to make his mark. After two years of working in partnership with others, he branched out on his own and in 1921 form the Wade Spring & Upholstery Company Limited. Wade Spring were among the first to manufacture the new patent Mesh Top spring seats. The success of this product led to it being supplied to furniture manufacturers throughout the country. Coil Sprung Mesh Top Units are still manufactured by the company today.

In 1929 Frisby moved his company to premises on Wellington Street, Long Eaton - a town which became the upholstery centre of the country. In keeping with the pride in its heritage, the Company can be found in the same location today.

The 1930's were not easy and the stability of the world as a whole seemed in question. In 1938, as war loomed over Europe - Colin Wade joined his father’s company. The company still driving forward with a spirit of innovation and optimism. The RMS Queen Elizabeth took it’s maiden voyage in the same year. Wade's were closely involved in this project, producing coil sprung furniture for this great liner as it had done for the RMS Queen Mary a few years earlier.

In 1941, Colin Wade and many more of the Wade workforce enlisted into the armed forces. The factories were requisitioned for the war effort.

At the end of the war Colin rejoined Frisby, the premises were de-requisitioned and passed back to the company.

As the country recovers from the war, obtaining supplies hampers production. 

The company adapts and continues to manufacture during this difficult time. In 1949 Colin’s son, Charles is born.

Wade Spring exhibit at the British Furniture Exhibition. For the next two decades the company continues to grow and build it’s reputation.

Wade’s celebrate their 50th Anniversary.
 This was also the year in which the third generation of the Wade family joined the company. Charles Wade joined the business, continuing the involvement the family had held since it’s start 50 years earlier.

As the furniture industry adapts and modernises, there is a requirement for a more competitive method of seating.
 This leads Wade Spring diversify into Zig Zag and Fishmouth production.
 Also in this year, Charles’ son, Daniel Wade is born.

In 1992, Wade increased their presence in the market with the acquisition of Elson & Robbins. 
 Wade Spring and Elson & Robbins consolidated on one site in Long Eaton manufacturing Furniture and Mattress springs for customers in the UK and Europe.

As the company enters the 21st century the spring business has continued to grow. Now exporting both furniture and bedding springs around the world.

Following the sale of the Mattress Spring Division in 2006 Wade Spring moved into their current refurbished 50,000 sq ft site on Highfield Street, Long Eaton. Through a difficult economic period the company consolidated it’s position as the leading UK manufacturer of furniture springs.

Charles Wade dies, aged 69. His son Daniel becomes company Chairman. The fourth generation of the Wade family to do so.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is forced to halt production for the first time since World War 2. A testing time for everyone. As restrictions are lifted, Wade Spring gets back to what it does best - providing quality products and reliable service.

Wade Spring celebrates it’s 100 year anniversary.

The company returns to pocket spring production. Focusing on low-height pocket units primarily for cushion interiors, fixed seating and low-height mattresses.

The pocket department quickly grows to include full‑height mattress‑specification pocket springs. Allowing the company to serve an even broader spectrum of industry needs.

Wade Spring are looking to the future, pursuing fresh possibilities for innovation, collaboration, and expansion. All while maintaining the high standards of quality and service our customers expect.