History

In 1952 Harry Pemberton began assembling and distributing car and commercial batteries at Turnpike Cottages, Abergele, North Wales. The plates for these were made in Manchester, hence the name, Manchester Batteries. His construction process featured a new design using glass fibre separators, this was reflected in his brand name, Glassklad. Glassklad Batteries became synonymous with quality throughout North and Mid-Wales over the next twenty five years and the business grew accordingly.

In 1969 larger Premises in Water Street, Abergele, were purchased.

In 1970 the Snowdon Battery made its first appearance.

In 1980 Roger Pemberton opened a branch of the family business in Shrewsbury. By this time the old fashioned hard rubber battery box with its pitched lids and exposed connector bars had been replaced by polypropylene cases and lids with through-the-wall inter-cell connectors. Battery assembly ceased at Abergele but over the next few years the distribution side expanded steadily.

In 1982 Manchester Batteries began its association with VARTA BATTERIES of Germany, an association which continues to the present day.

In 1983 a new company was set up in central Manchester under the direction of Malcolm Hodgkinson. Manchester Batteries Ltd grew rapidly, expanding its area of operation from Cheshire to Carlisle.

In 1988 another new company, Snowdon Batteries Ltd was formed to operate from a branch in Chesterfield and distribute batteries throughout South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

In 1994 a new company MANBAT LTD was formed to handle exports and imports and to act as the purchasing company for the group.

In 1997 the four original companies and the purchasing company were incorporated into one company, MANBAT LTD.

In 1999 MANBAT’S quality control system achieved registration to ISO 9002 in August, while in November the fifth branch of MANBAT opened for business in Bristol. The Bristol branch serves a very large area covering South Wales and the South West of England.

In 2000 MANBAT opened its sixth branch at Kirkintilloch near Glasgow. This branch, though the smallest of all our branches has the largest geographical area to look after.

2002 MANBAT'S GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR. This year MANBAT celebrated 50 years in battery distribution by launching a new brand, NUMAX. NUMAX quickly established itself as a major player in the market.

In 2003 Manbat formed its first supply partnership, with Longton Batteries Ltd of Preston, Lancashire.

Manbat Ltd achieves registration to the new ISO Standard, ISO 9001:2000.          

Manbat Ltd is awarded a Supplier of the Year Award by Sunseeker International (Boats) Ltd. Sunseeker is the largest privately owned boat builder in the world. They build luxury motor yachts which are exported across the world. Sunseeker say that Manbat has totally eliminated their warranty problems and that is the reason they have awarded them this prestigious award.

Business takes off in the Republic of Ireland when National Autoparts of Dublin is appointed sole agent for NUMAX products.

In 2004 Manbat acquires Direct Battery Supplies (UK) Ltd, Specialists in Battery Distribution and thereby opens its seventh wholly owned branch in the U.K. and its first branch in the South East of England.

In 2005 Manbat buys Auto Battery Service of Guildford, Surrey. This new location becomes Manbat’s eighth branch. It will serve South London and the South Coast. December 2005 sees the launch of the new NUMAX Premium Silver Battery - Manbat remains in the technological vanguard.

In 2006 Manbat acquires R. Thursby Ltd of Sunderland, the North East's premier battery specialist.

In 2009 Manbat signs a licence with Lucas Electrical for the marketing and distribution of Lucas batteries in the UK and Eire.

In 2010 Roger Pemberton, son of Harry Pemberton (founder), retires as Managing Director after 33 years of running the company.

Steve Sheppard replaces Roger as the company's new Managing Director after 10 years as Sales Director. Steve has played a key role in the huge expansion the company has seen during the past decade.

Jon Bailey is appointed as the new Sales Director for Manbat. He comes from Johnson Controls Ltd, (Varta) bringing with him many years of experience having worked for the world's leading battery manufacturer.

In 2011 Manbat Ltd moves to its new head office which has  increased the capacity of both storage and office space fourfold. The new premises are a bold statement going forwards which clearly demonstrate Manbat's intention for growth, and commitment to customer service.