Watson Equipment – Engineering Greatness

January 18, 2023 2 min read

Watson Equipment – Engineering Greatness

The Timeline

 

1999

Simon Watson and his team start making benches from a tiny garage in Chippenham.

 

2001

The Watson team move into an industrial unit in Westbury, employing a welder.


2003


Watson open a small commercial gym next to their manufacturing unit.


2008


A 2500 sq ft unit in Frome is bought by Watson. All the Watson products remain manufactured in their factories in Frome, England, using only British steel.


2009


Development of the World renowned Watson Pro Dumbbells begins.

Watson Pro Dumbbells cross section schematic


2010


Watson consolidate their product range with a sole focus to manufacture and supply heavy duty machines, bars and accessories with premium functionality that are virtually indestructible. 

The renowned Animal range is launched, a  couple of Animal products from the exceptional  range:

 Watson Animal Cage   Watson Animal Half Rack


2011 

Watson invest in their first CNC machines to expertly produce their Dumbbells and other components with ultimate accuracy.  

Today, Watson have further streamlined their process, designing, and manufacturing every component in-house.


2012


Watson buys additional units in order to separate manufacturing from assembly and offices.


2014


The Animal Leg Press is launched alongside the release of Watson’s new recessed Dumbbell design. 

Watson Leg Press images

Watson partners with Westside Barbell.
 

2016


New land is bought by Watson to build new bespoke manufacturing facility.


2017


The new Watson HQ build is completed whilst another plot of land is reserved.


Watson purchases its first machine tool - a Mazak VCS 530C vertical machining centre, used to machine weight stack plates and stems. 

Amongst all this, the Watson Gym is opened in Frome.


2019


Incorporating the most advanced technology into its manufacturing process, the Mazak laser is installed bringing with it a complete re-design of all Watson machines.


2020


The Watson steel processing facility is opened and building of the 3rd Watson factory begins.

 The Watson Pro Olympic Weight Plates are launched.

Watson Pro Plates cross section diagram


2021

The launch of the 3rd Watson factory - joined together with the Watson bridge.Additional land to facilitate further expansion is purchased. 

Watson win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of international trade – the highest accolade for British businesses.

watson queens award


2022


In their commitment to lead the world in the innovation and manufacture of specialist strength equipment, significant machining investment into state-of-the-art machinery to assist in increasing production efficiency, reducing lead times and improving the quality of Watson products and services.

Watson investment sheet


Watson launch 10 new products including additional dual stack range and a new weight stack system with stainless steel weight stack badges. Their marine grade stainless steel delivers lifetime corrosion resistance with no zinc or nickel coating to chip or wear.


It is Watson’s relationships with some of the world’s highest regarded coaches, trainers and athletes that enables them to continually evolve and relentlessly improve to bring various new products to the market. Their innovations in the form of Bars, Benches, Machines and Dumbbells can be seen in leading facilities worldwide, paying testament to their claims.

Additionally carrying a phenomenal selection of upholstery finishes and colours and powder coat finishes for their metal frames, Watson create truly high-calibre bespoke pieces of equipment.


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