A trustworthy brand with a rich history
Combining more than a century of experience in the manufacture, supply and installation of fitted kitchen furniture ensures that we deliver a superior quality product that will truly stand the test of time.
Being a member of Ballingslöv International, gives us access to an unrivalled wealth of experience within the kitchen industry dating back to 1929.
Timeline of key milestones
- Manhattan events
- Paula Rosa events
1940s
1946
Dennis & Robinson founded in 1946 by George Dennis and Robbie Robinson. Manufacturing Clock cases in Portslade, East Sussex.
1950s
Early 1950s
Purchased by Smiths Industries.
Late 1950s
Moved to Lancing Carriage Works which is still the current manufacturing site.
1960s
Early 1960s
Started to manufacture kitchens.
1965
Founded by David Robson (Kingfisher Wood Products Ltd). Manufacturing furniture from a farmer’s barn in Broadbridge Heath. First order was a sideboard for Mr & Mrs Hoyton £44–5 Shillings and 5D.
Late 1960s
Produced kitchenettes for Butlins’ refurbishment after introducing MFC and replacement parts to the kitchen industry in the UK.
1969
Opened first retail showroom in Storrington.
1970s
1977
Opened new factory in Telford, focussing on public sector (council housing). Introduced "Paula Rosa" as brand name for retail showrooms - Named after daughter Paula and wife Rosemary. Introduced "Topaz" as brand name for public sector.
1980s
1981
Opened retail showroom in Guildford.
1982
Closed factory in Telford following the slow down of the 'building consortium' arrangements by the government. Exited public sector market. Opened retail showroom in Brighton.
1988
Moved to one brand name "Paula Rosa" across all market sectors.
1989
50% shareholding purchased by Ballingslöv, with put/call option 3 years later. Achieved FIRA Gold Certification for Product To Level H For Heavy Domestic Use.
1990s
1992
Remaining 50% shareholding purchased by Ballingslov.
1995
Achieved FIRA Gold Certification for Product To Level H For Heavy Domestic Use.
1999
Achieved FIRA Gold Certification for Installation.
2000s
2011
Achieved FIRA Gold Certification for Special Needs Kitchen Furniture.
2013
Manhattan is Purchased by Ballingslöv Group of Companies and merged with Paula Rosa to create Paula Rosa Manhattan.
2015
Ballingslöv Group inject over £10 million capital investment. The funding has achieved an unsurpassed world-class business – a leader in today’s UK contract kitchens market.
2018
Re-launch of our state-of-the-art showrooms, the result of a substantial 0.5m investment.
2019
Sustainability strategy launched to minimise our impact on the environment.
2020
Our manufacturing carbon emissions per unit fall by an impressive 23% as our sustainability strategy goes from strength to strength.
2021
Switched to renewable heating as we set our sights on a zero carbon production facility.