Plastic Protections (Southgate) Ltd was created by Lance Rowell for the production of Anti-Freeze Quilts for the construction industry. The initial production was from his home in Enfield with the help from his wife and young family. Lance Rowell retired in 1993 but instigated a succession of change through his sons Pat and Andrew, who continues the development of the family business.

In 1966, Production moved to a new facility at Northwold Road, Hackney, East London. The production of Anti-Freeze Quilts was then complimented by the introduction of Tarpalite TM tarpaulins to be used within the construction industry for winter building protection.

Company changed name to Plastic Protections Ltd and became recognised for it’s PP logo. Tarpalite tarpaulins were introduced to the road transport industry as a suitable alternative to heavy and expensive canvas sheeting.

1968 saw continued growth production moved to The Potteries, Woodgreen Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex until 1972. First FIAB high-frequency track welding machine in the UK was purchased to start producing ISO Container covers and TIR Tilt covers.

First Tension Curtains produced in 1969 for the Metal Box Company incorporating the unique feature of welded reinforced webbings.

With further continued growth and development for the production of TIR Tilts and Tension Curtains meant another move to Unit 12 Station Approach, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire until 1997

Lance Rowell’s son Pat Rowell joins the Company in 1970 becoming Managing Director in 1980 until his departure in 1988.

In 1977 additional space was required on the same industrial estate by purchasing Unit 23 Station Approach, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire until 1997. This allowed for further expansion into the manufacture of Tension Curtains and the increasing demand for hand-painted liveries.

Lance Rowell’s son Andrew Rowell joins the Company in 1979, becoming Managing Director in 1988 and Chairman in 1993.

Alan Skipp joins the Company as a Sales Manager becoming Managing Director in 1993 until his retirement in 2008.

1984 saw the development of the patented internal load restraint Mesh Nets TM which replaced traditional webbing nets. Soon followed in 1985 the development of the patented Plastic Buckle for Tension Curtains became an alternative to steel and stainless steel buckles.

In 1986 the Development of the EasySlider curtain system for rigid fast access inner-city delivery vehicles, particularly for the drinks and confection industry.

Development of an all Plastic Roller started in 1986 to compliment the Plastic Buckle for Tension Curtains and EasySlide curtains.

Stronghold Trademark registered in 1987 giving the Company a new brand image to compliment the advancement of curtain designs.

Development of the Mk II Plastic Buckle & Plastic Roller and registered as EuroBuckle TM & EuroRoller TM

Alan Westwood joins the Company as a Sales Manager becoming Managing Director in 2008

In 1992, Plastic Protections International Ltd was created by Andrew Rowell to promote the development & sales of the EuroBuckle & EuroRoller along with other ancillary curtain manufacturing parts to the European and World markets. The Company also takes on the exclusive distribution rights for Sesam Sliding Roof Systems.

The Company’s continual expansion in the commercial graphics markets becomes branded under the name of SignStruck in 1995.

With the continual growth of the curtain making production, in 1997 SignStruck graphics and overseas sales of parts by Plastic Protections International Ltd A greenfield site is purchased to custom build a new manufacturing facility and a separate warehouse and distribution facility. Units A & B Nicholson Court, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire become the state of the art facility that Stronghold operates from today.

Development of the patented RaveLock TM fastening system for FreeSider TM curtain system in 1999.

The Company forms a close collaboration with Vinyl Graphics Ltd for the production and marketing of inkjet-printed curtains to the transport industry.

In 2004, Plastic Protections Ltd changes it’s name to Stronghold International Ltd to reinforce the Stronghold brand theme.

The Company takes on the exclusive distribution rights for Versus Omega Sliding Roof Systems.

Stronghold Goes Digital! Delivery of our first Large Format Printing machine was in November 2014. Alterations to the premises were made to accept the new technology and a major new chapter begins.

50 Years and Counting! 2015 is the 50th anniversary of Stronghold International Ltd. Look out for our special anniversary label and other special features during 2015.

In 2019, Alan Westwood acquires Stronghold International Ltd.

Strongspares.co.uk is developed with TriStar Web Solutions to create an online facility for curtain side parts and spares orders.

In 2022, the Stronghold name was acquired by The Beal Group. With two manufacturing facilities, one in Scotland and one in England, The Beal Group added Stronghold to its existing line-up of big names in UK manufacturing such as Mitco, Rhino UK and Tony Beal Ltd. Owned by David Beal, The Beal Group works with, and supplies, products across defence, automotive, oil & gas and construction sectors.

The acquisition allowed Stronghold to continue its long legacy in the UK and became the Group’s sole brand for tension curtains.