The family firm now occupies the Marsh Lane Mill and surrounding buildings in Preston, a world away from the garage and living room premises of the Parker's family home back in 1972. The company has seen steady growth over the past 40 years, as demonstrated by the expansion of the main facility to 55,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space with over 65 office, warehouse and workshop staff and the acquisition of a second branch in Basingstoke in 1993. Still overseen by Tom Parker himself, the business is now managed by sons Richard and Tim Parker from the Preston facility, with Michael Parker based in Basingstoke. Today, Tom Parker offers a product catalogue of over 35,000 specialist pneumatic and hydraulic components and related products.

 

Sales director, Richard Parker, commented: "The business has grown steadily from the small distribution company started by my parents to the huge local employer that it is now. We are thankful to all of our staff as well the support we have received from the local area for helping us get to the success story that we are today."

 

Tom Parker reflected that one of the many highlights over the past four decades that he has been at the helm of the company has been the ever growing number of reseller partners the company attracts. He added that it is also heartening to see the number of staff, at all levels, who have stayed with the company over many years. “Some have remained with us right up to their retirement, and some who left the company have come back to us,” he pointed out.

 

Richard Parker added: “Our general office manager has been with us for almost 30 years; starting out as an office junior – and our internal sales manager has been with the company for over 20 years; starting out in the stores. Similarly, our quality manager has been with Tom Parker for over 20 years. In fact, out of the 68 employees we have at least 10 have been with us for over 20 years.”

 

Tom Parker offers a trade counter service, workshop facilities and a technical sales service to help customers find the best fluid or air power product to suit their needs.