About us
M.J. Supplies is a family run business
which was formed in 1991 by Martin James.
Our aim has always been a “ONE STOP SHOP”. We are experts in our field and cater
for the full spectrum of protective and decorative needs.
1991
Initially the aim was the supply of Industrial paints and lubricants to end users, with consumables as bolt on extras, drawing on Martin’s previous life in the paint industry.
The paint business grew significantly during the next couple of years and the lubricants were discarded, to concentrate on the paint distribution, sundries and spraying equipment aspects.
1993
The area we were drawn into, was that of contracting. Repeatedly, we were asked to paint floors and deal with commercial re-painting projects.
Eventually we succumbed and set up a painting division, undertaking floor preparation and painting, factory and commercial re-paints. Major contracts over the years
have included Sellafield, Manchester Airport, Veka
and the MEN Arena.
1994
We moved into the premises on Bank Parade and by 1998
it was necessary to register as a limited company Hence Tonecourt Ltd T/A M.J. Supplies was born. Whilst keeping supplies in the name has always been contentious,
it allowed all the activities under one banner.
With the expansion, we were needing more room, so purchased the adjoining warehouse. Further development saw increases in staff, vehicles and general growth.
2000
By early 2000 access was becoming a serious problem, loading and unloading vehicles, poor customer parking and a building well past its sell by date. Whilst it was good for the community, the towns new health centre built at the rear further restricted our access.
It was at this time we decided to build a purpose built warehouse and offices at Hapton, this offered easy
access to the motorway network, beneficial for our deliveries and ease of access for the many customers
who collect goods on a daily basis.
2008
We finally moved into the new premises just as the world fell apart with the financial crisis. Bucking the trend during the recession, we further grew the business.
Over the years we had been hampered by poor quality control and indolence from our suppliers, for which we were repeatedly being castigated by our customers.
It was at this juncture we decided to take the bull by the horns and set up our own factory and manufacture our own industrial and decorative coatings in-house.
2013
We set about establishing a manufacturing facility
in Huncoat. This now manufactures all our industrial paints, floor paints and much of our decorative
materials, this now ensures that we are fully in control
of quality and the standards are now exemplified.
2020
Our trade product range still includes outsourced big named brand materials such as Dulux, Armstead, Johnstones, Leyland, Ronseal, Hammerite and many more. Trade names as required by the decorative sectors.
We are fully authorised to supply and service amongst others, Wagner airless equipment. In amongst our range we have Automotive paints by Mipa, intumescent coatings and a range of Purdy brushes to name but a few.
Meet the MJ Supplies Team
Martin James
Director
Jason Crofts
Contracts Manager
John Lythgoe
Production Manager
Natalie James
Company Secretary
Rafe Wood
Trade Counter & Warehouse
Sybil, Buttons & Rita
Security