Company History

The Company History - 94 years young !

Formed in 1913, the Company has grown to become one of Europe's largest dental laboratories, now exporting to Norway, Sweden, Finland, Holland, Germany, Italy, Eire, Denmark, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, France, Egypt, Turkey, New Zealand, and Malta. The following paragraphs give a brief history of how we have progressed over the years.

2000 - today	1950 - 59
1990 - 99	1940 - 49
1980 - 89	1930 - 39
1970 - 79	1920 - 29
1960 - 69	1910 - 19

2006

	We incorporate the latest automated assembly technology into our manufacturing processes.
	We exhibit for the first time at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting and at the LMT Lab Day
	We introduce Northerm, Flexite MP, Plus and Supreme monomer-free high molecular thermoplastics for exceptionally tough and flexible hypo-allergenic dentures, and Clasp-Eze aesthetic tooth coloured clasps made from Flexite Supreme super flexible monomer-free thermoplastic.
	We exhibit at the Dental Technology Show, Ricoh Arena Coventry.
	We win the prestigious EMDA Medilink New Technology Award for the results of our revolutionary Daedalus Project.
	We win the prestigious NTI Emerging Technologies Award for the results of our revolutionary Daedalus Project which merges computed patient tomography and laser scan data to give a composite 3-dimensional image which we use to design and manufacture a new smile for patients in under 2 hours using rapid prototyping and the latest CAD-CAM technology.
	We launch an exclusive service for Denplan patients.
	We are the first lab in the World to achieve accreditation to the stringent ISO 13485:2003 medical device manufacturing standard under 3rd party UKAS accredited audit by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
	All our lab team register as Dental Technicians with the GDC under our Company sponsored Dental Care Professional (DCP) Registration Scheme.

2005

	All our workstations are re-equipped with top of the range variable speed knee control handpiece motors, in compliment to our recent investment in bench motors.
	Micro impulse plasma welding equipment added to our laboratory facilities.
	We add StickTech fibre-reinforced restorations to our service offering.
	Our technicians complete the Nobel Biocare Replace Select implant retained removable prosthesis course at UWIC.
	We offer 3-dimensional treatment planning from CT scan data for the placement of implants, including drill guide (SurgiGuide) stent making direct from the digital 3D treatment plan using rapid prototyping (RP) technology.
	We exhibit our rotary polishing brushes and other laboratory products for the third time at the International Dental show in Cologne.
	We exhibit our advanced implantology lab services and solutions at the ADI Congress in Edinburgh.
	In addition to Artglass, we adopt the latest Belleglass NG ceramics.
	We become the first lab in the World to offer a NURBS 3D modelling facility.
	We become the first lab in the World to adopt an in-house rapid prototyping facility for the CAD-CAM manufacture of crown and bridgework, cobalt chrome and acrylic bases, and certain orthodontics.
	Gill Watson and Monica Marshall celebrate 30 and 19 years service respectively with a helicopter flight over Nottingham.
	We welcome another member of our team to the '21 Club' with a dinner attended by all our current team and retired members who have completed 21 or more years service.
	We also proud to celebrate the anniversaries of two of our team completing 30 years service, one 35 years, one 45 years, and Dr. J.L. Attenborough reaching 55 years service.

2004

	Pressable ceramics launched
	Awarded Investors in People (IIP) accreditation.
	Mr. E.J. and Dr. J.L. Attenborough represent the Company at Interbrush 2004 in Freiburg.
	We join the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) and the North West Implant Association (NWIA).
	We exhibit for the second time at the Dental Technology Show in Telford, launching lab-stuff.biz our dental laboratory equipment and supplies catalogue.
	Mr. Edward Attenborough meets Rt Hon John Reid MP, Secretary of State for Health.
	Edward Attenborough is elected by BDTA members at their AGM to represent them on the BDTA Council.
	We adopt the Artglass system for superior polyglas restorations in Vita shades.
	We are awarded Platinum Status by Straumann to create the highest quality restorations using their ITI implant system.
	We equip each workstation in our labs with a high spec stereo microscope. Premier cases are now all manufactured by our master technicians under their own dedicated microscope, giving an unprecidented quality of finish in form, fit, aesthetics, characterisation, and marginal detail.
	We introduce Luxene® low-allergenic injection moulded vinyl acrylic dentures, with high quality finishes in a wide range of shades.
	We exhibit at the London Dental Shocase, Excel Docklands.
	In compliment to our Luxene® injection moulded vinyl acrylic denture system, we offer Astron Ultraflex® flexible injection moulded dentures for superior retention and comfort.
	We introduce light cured waxes for the accelerated processing of cobalt chrome bases under our FastTrack Priority 24-Hour service.
	Dr. J.L. Attenborough is awarded a Diploma after successfuly completing the AstraTech clinical training course 'Implant Treatment in Difficult Cases' at GKT.
	All our Premier dentures are now finished as standard with gum tinting for superior aesthetics.
	We introduce a national door-to-door collection and delivery service for cases to and from our practices, with real-time online tracking via our website.

2003

	We accept all major credit and debit cards for ease of payment in settling your account.
	We invest in top of the range parallel milling machines for the prepartion of implant abutments.
	We exhibit at the International Dental Showase (IDS) in Cologne for the second time, launching our international dental laboratory services, laboratory equipment and supplies.
	Investing in our people: Our technicians complete the Straumann course for implant based restoration, the Schick metal milling course for implant abutments, and senior management complete BSI courses on ISO 9001:2000 migration and a BDTA course on ISO 9001:2000 audit.
	We are accredited by Straumann as an approved laboratory to create the highest quality restorations using their ITI dental implant system.
	We successfully complete migration from our first registration of IS0 9002:1994 in April 1991 (then BS 5750) to the new ISO 9001:2000 standard under 3rd party UKAS accredited audit by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
	We are the first dental laboratory to achieve the Dental Appliance Manufacturers Audit Scheme (DAMAS) accreditation under audit by the BSI.
	We exhibit at the ADI Congress in Birmingham for the first time, launching our unique enhanced implantology solution services.
	We again exhibit at the BDTA Dental Showcase Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, confirming our reputation for excellence and expertise in implantology and first class private restorative dentistry.
	We celebrate our 90th anniversary with a dinner attended by all our current team and '21 Club' members who have retired having completed 21 or more years service. The evening is attended by Dr. J.L. Attenborough (son of founder) who has now devoted 53 years service, another wonderful celebration of loyalty, tradition, and continuity of knowledge and service.

2002

	We are the first UK lab, and probably the first in the World, to launch a live on-line case management system. Dentists can now log on to our website and watch the progress of their patient's cases through our labs. Information is updated in real-time by our technicians logging production data on touch screens throughout our labs. All of these services are offered free of charge through an industry standard encrypted session on your normal internet browser, to which you may only have access after logging on to attenborough.com using your secure account credentials. See News for further details.
	Attenborough Software's development team is joined by two colleagues of Mr. Edward Attenborough from Leeds University.
	Attenborugh Dental's considerable experience in implant related laboratory services offer a unique solution for the implantologist, with on-line case planning and management facilitated through our bespoke software. See News for further details. Attenborough Dental's technicians are given further specialist training by an expert implantology team.
	Our client's now have the very special opportunity to train with Attenborough on one of Europe's leading implant systems, with the added bonus of being able to relax and enjoy skiing or walking in stunning Alpine surroundings.
	New Priority 24 hours in lab service launched. See News for further details.
	Company exhibits at the Dental Technology Showcase 2002 exhibition at Nottingham University, launching our enhanced implant services, comprehensive direct lab supplies catalogue, demonstrating our CAD-CAM crown and bridge technology, and offering a preview of our bespoke lab managment software.
	Mr. Edward Attenborough is elected by DLA members to represent them on the DLA Council.

2001

	Attenborough Direct Ltd established as wholly owned subsidiary of group holding company C. & L.E. Attenborough Ltd., to provide superb value dental practice and laboratory equipment and consumables direct in the UK.
	The value of Attenborough Direct's low-overhead fast turn around formula is recognised by being appointed UK distributor for a major European dental practice and laboratory equipment manufacturer.
	Company rejoins the Dental Laboratories Association (the orginal association being co-founded by the Company founder on May 26th 1937).
	Company joins British Dental Traders Association (BDTA).
	Mrs. C.M. Attenborough (Director) passes away after a long battle against illness. She is sadly missed by all our team. Mr. E.J. Attenborough continues as Managing Director and Dr. J.L. Attenborough is appointed Company Secretary.
	Company exhibits at the International Dental Showase (IDS) in Cologne for the first time, launching our international laboratory services, equipment and supplies.
	International Freepost dental laboratory services launched, in compliment to our existing National Freepost and Midlands free collection and delivery services.
	New look interactive multi-lingual (French, German, Spanish) website launched and hosted via new on-site broadband wireless DSL link.
	attenborough.ltd.uk, .biz, .info, .de, .fr, .es dedicated domains registered to protect our brand internationally.
	CAD-CAM copings and frameworks are now produced as standard under our Express 36-Hour Service AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. All work is covered by our unique 5-year guarantee, see Terms and Conditions for further details.
	Company exhibits at the BDTA Dental Showcase Exhibition at the NEC with the first e-card brochure and catalogue in the industry.
	We produce the first glass ceramic (DC-Cristall) milled copings in the UK. DC-Cristall is ideal for producing translucent copings for individual crowns for vital teeth. We use TriCeram for veneering the machined coping.
	We produce the first zirconium oxide (DC-Zircon) milled copings and frameworks in the UK. These incredibly strong restorations are used for large (6 units+) bridges, previously impossible with all ceramic restorations. We use TriCeram for veneering the machined copings and frameworks. DC-Zirkon restorations are fixed using glass ionomer cement or in the customary manner.
	Euro and US Dollar currency accounts opened, all software ready for multi-currency support and launch of Euro on 01.01.02. All prices published on our website in Euros and Pounds Sterling as part of our ongoing comittment to international value transparency. International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN) and Bank Idenitifier Codes (BIC) provided for ease of international payment..

2000

	Attenborough Dental Laboratories Ltd and Attenborough Brush Ltd established as wholly owned subsidiaries of group holding company C. & L.E. Attenborough Ltd.
	Latest accountancy and corporate management software installed. Multi-company capable and Euro ready. All existing data migrated to new software.
	CAD-CAM milling launched in the UK on our stand at the BDTA Dentistry 2000 Exhibition at the NEC.
	In co-operation with DCS we open a dedicated demonstration and training lab facility at Viscosa House running monthly seminars for dentist and technicians to gain valuable' hands on' experience with the very latest CAD-CAM technology.
	We produce the first glass fibre polyamide (DC-Tell), Titanium (DC-Titan), In-Ceram® Alumina and Zirconia copings which are both scanned and milled in the UK. These copings and frameworks are veneered with standard materials Targis, TriCeram and InCeram® respectively.
	We are the first lab in the UK to promote titanium as a cost effective alternative to palladium based alloys. This light weight yet extremely strong metal is biocompatible (giving osseo-integration), x-ray translucent, and has thermal conduction properties making it eminently suitable for bonded work.
	In co-operation with Degussa, Chaperlin and Jacobs, and Hawley Russell and Baker, we introduce TriCeram low fusing porcelain to the UK. This highly flexible porcelain is not only used for veneering Titanium copings and frameworks, but also for translucent ceramics (DC-Cristall) and zirconium oxide based ceramics (DC-Zircon).
	In co-operation with GC UK, we introduce Gradia composite to the UK. In addition to Targis, this excellent light cured composite is used for veneering milled glass fibre polyamide (DC-Tell) copings and frameworks.
	We also demonstrate CAD-CAM milling on our stand at the BDTA London Dental Showcase Exhibition at Olympia.
	Mr. EJ. and Dr. J.L. Attenborough represent the Company at Brush Expo 2000 in Luxembourg and Interbrossa 2000 in Freiburg.
	Dr. J.L. Attenborough (son of founder) marks 50 years with the Company at a combined '21 Club' dinner with two of our team celebrating 40 years and one celebrating 30 years service, and Brenda Brindley (sales) retiring after 20 years with us. The evening is attended by all those of the current team and those who have retired having dedicated 21 or more years service, a wonderful celebration of loyalty and continuity.

Back to Index

1999

	Mr. E.J. Attenborough is appointed Managing Director. Dr. J.L. Attenborough (son of founder) retires as Director but countinues to provide a wealth of experience as a Consultant to the Company. Mrs. C.M. Attenborough continues as Director.
	New high speed computer network and workstations installed throughout Viscosa House.
	New computer numerically controlled (CNC) dental brush manufacturing machines installed to increase capacity and further automate the production process.
	Website hosted on-site through 'always on' ISDN link via local cable operator, to deliver more interactive content rich media.

1998

	Express 36-hour dental laboratory services launched. See News for further details.
	Direct 'while you wait' dental prosthetic repair services launched. See your local Yellow Pages for further details.
	New lab services launched on our stand at BDTA Dental Showcase Exhibition at the NEC.
	New CNC injection moulding machines installed for dental brush manufacturing, which is extended into new premises.

1997

	Mr. E.J. Attenborough (grandson of founder) joins the Company on a part-time basis whilst continuing work in London. Over the following twelve months he reduces his comittments in the City and joins the Company on a full time basis.
	Stand taken again at N.E.C. Birmingham BDTA exhibition.
	Vita In-Ceram crowns and bridges.
	Targis and Vectris composites and glass fibre reinforced crowns and bridges.
	Website dedicated domains attenborough.com and .co.uk registered.

1996

Registration with Medical Devices Agency as conformant with the Medical Devices Regulations 1994 : Regulation 14, in accordance with the European Communities Council Directive 93/42 EEC (Medical Devices Directive).

1995

	Mrs. M. Gaylard (Brush Dept.) retires after 44 years service.
	Mr. R. Ping (Megallium and Magnus) retires after 50 years service.

1994

	Return to British Dental Traders Association exhibition at NEC Birmingham.
	Company Internet Web site starts up. As part of our comittment to value transparency, we are the first to publish a full dental lab price list. We firmly believe that an open pricing policy is in the interests of our clients and the industry, and remain the only UK lab to do so.

1993

Trade exhibition at Bournemouth.

1992

Mr. I. Skinner (Magnus Department) retires after 44 years service.

1991

	Dr. J.L. Attenborough (son of founder) celebrates 40 years in the Company.
	Attenborough's become the first dental laboratory whose quality system was certified to BS5750 part 2, by the British Standards Institute itself, which included International Standard 9002 and European Standard 29002.
	Vita Omega ceramics used.

1990

Mr. L. Henton (Plastic Department) retires after 55 years service.

Back to Index

1989

	Porcelain veneers for anterior teeth introduced.
	Mr. A. Hayball (Porcelain Department Manager) retires after 51 years service.

1988

Electo-mechanical accounting systems replaced with a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system computer having an integrated suite of financial programmes and using a local area network.

1987

New crown and bridge laboratory opened in recently acquired premises.

1984

Mr. W.E. Coup (Company Secretary) retires after 36 years service.

1983

	Maryland and Rochette bridges produced.
	Large adjacent surrounding single story premises purchased, enabling extension of Crown and Bridgework Department, and expansion of brush making area.

1982

	Mr. L.E. Attenborough (Company founder) dies.
	Mr. P. Dawes (Crown and Bridgework then Megallium manager) retires after 48 years service.

1980

Mr. A. Alexander (Scottish Representative) retires after 30 years service.

Back to Index

1978

Thermo-formed mouthguards and oral screens introduced.

1977

Pt/Sn bonded aluminium crowns introduced.

1975

14 tooth acrylic dentures (all stages) cost £4.02 plus teeth. An aluminous Porcelain jacket crown cost £5.25, and full upper cobalt chromium bases ranged from £6.40.

1974

Disjunct and locking bolt dentures introduced.

1973

'Swinglock' retained dentures introduced.

1972

	Functional orthodontic regulators and Monobloc Andresens produced.
	Megallium conforms to BS3366.

1971

	Patented a new way of making our Calibris brush using a three part stock to bond in the calico.
	Post office strike - Attenborough's continue to offer a free national delivery service using the distribution network of a major chain store.

Back to Index

1969

Aluminous Porcelain introduced.

1968

	Mr. G. Smith retires after 52 years service.
	Mr. H. Green retires after 46 years service.

1966

	Mr. E.F. Emerson retires after 48 years service.
	Edward Attenborough born.

1965

	Attenborough's first apprentice, Mr. A.R. Scott, retires after 52 years service.
	VMK Porcelain bonded to metal introduced.

1963

Production of the first dental brushes having unsplittable moulded plastic stocks instead of wood.

1961

Mrs. B. Palmer (Personal Assistant to MD) retires after 34 years service.

Back to Index

1959

	The first bonded Porcelain/gold crowns made.
	Experimental work on bonding Porcelain to base metal.

1958

All Porcelain crowns become vacuum fired.

1954

	The first induction melting centripetal casting machine installed.
	Electrolytic polishing used.

1953

Standardised Viscoform preformed plastic casting patterns introduced.

1951

Introduced a cast chromium molybdenum alloy called Megallium to Great Britain, producing all our own investments.

1950

Dr. J.L. Attenborough (son of founder) joins the Company.

Back to Index

1940

First dough moulded acrylics introduced.

A full denture in Vulcanite, all stages, costs £2 17s. 6d. and in acrylic £3 17s. 6d. A Magnus metal base costs £1.

Back to Index

1939 - 45

	Nearly all our technicians are called up for War Service.
	Production is maintained but dental surgeons are 'rationed' as to the amount of work they can order.
	The basement of Viscosa House is converted to a public air raid shelter.
	Standby premises in Thornywood Lane equipped in case Viscosa House is destroyed.

1938

First dental surgeon engaged to advice clients on orthodontic problems.

1937

Mr. L.E. Attenborough forms a Dental Laboratories Association with Mr. W. Mellish, Mr. R.M. Mather and Mr. St. John Bennet.

1935

First acrylic dentures are produced in our laboratory by injection moulding.

1933

	Hydraulic presses and spot welders are marketed for Magnus Metal.
	The names Thermolite, Hecolite, Luxene, Walkerite, Resovin, Vydon, Oralite and Resolite recall the search for a more aesthetic material than Vulcanite.

1932

Leading experts are engaged to formulate reliable gold casting alloys, which are then specially produced to our requirements.

1931

Magnus Metal, the first dental stainless steel, is introduced in Great Britain.

Back to Index

1928

	The business expands further and moves into part of the present premises, Viscosa House, which had been rebuilt in 1924.
	At this time there is still no centrifugal casting machine on the British market. The steam pressure Solbrig-Platschick machine and the air pressure Burns apparatus are used.
	A more reliable method is a eventually achieved by the automatic release of a vacuum below the flask and air pressure above it.

1924

Dr. Oberlander's process for enamelling Vulcanite dentures is used intead of Porcelain gum sections.

1923

The first of many editions of Progressive Prosthetics (of which this site is the electronic equivalent) is printed.

1921

	The business expands and Orthodontics becomes a house speciality using gold bands and gold clad piano wire for springs. Surprisingly sophisticated fixed appliances with ribbon arches, pin and tube attachments and I.M.T were produced.
	John Attenborough born.

Back to Index

1919

	Mr. L.E. Attenborough (Company founder) returns from War Service in the Army and purchases a small brush making firm established in 1863, and moves to Byard Lane, Nottingham.
	High fusing Porcelains are recommended, the furnace muffles being made and wound with platinum wire on the premises.
	The wages of a techician are £1 10s. 0d. per week.

1914 - 1918

The little business moves to 71 Parliament Street in 1916 and just survives, though Mr. L.E. Attenborough is away on War Service.

1913

	The business is started by Mr. L.E. Attenborough in Heathcote Street, Nottingham, and specialises in cast gold dentures by the cire perdue process introduced by Dr. Taggart in 1907.
	The Elgin 'pig' vacuum machine is used aptly to describe its shape and behaviour.
	Swaged gold bases are made by first rolling sheets in a geared press to the required guage.
	Gold wires are hand made using draw plate.
	A full Vulcanite denture including all stages and 1st quality platinum pin teeth costs 16s. 0d.; using 4th quality teeth 6s. 6d. A gold crown costs 8s. 0d. including gold.

Back to Index

Mission | Profile | News | Vacancies | Surveys