“It all began in 1975…”
What began in a small London workshop, Pineapple has grown into a business built on quality, tradition and the hard work of our founder, William Hathorn. In those early days, trading under the name Pine Productions, Mr Hathorn and a small team of craftsmen built furniture with dedication, care, and a commitment to quality. The name was based on the wood most often used in our creations, but more importantly, it reflected a tradition and simplicity in the work we produced.
By 1987, as our business grew and we began to serve the healthcare market with a wider variety of materials, our name no longer felt quite right. With a respectful nod to where it all began, we became Pineapple – a name that was both familiar and fresh, and one that has stayed with us ever since.
The years that followed brought steady growth and new challenges. In 1995, we moved into larger premises in Orpington, Kent, and as demand increased, we expanded again in 2002, taking over an additional site nearby. Each step forward was made with careful consideration, with a focus on supporting our customers while staying true to our values.
In 2015, we entered a new chapter with our purpose-built office and manufacturing facility near Maidstone, Kent. Designed with both practicality and inspiration in mind, the top floor became our showroom, presenting our newest furniture ranges and also offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Today, in 2025, we are humbled to look back on 50 years of Pineapple. From our beginnings in London, we have become a truly global business, with offices in the UK, USA, France, and Germany, as well as trusted partners around the world. Yet no matter how far we’ve come, our focus remains the same: to create design-led, well-made products that bring peace of mind to those who use them.
To further commemorate this milestone, the Pineapple community gathered on 10th September 2025 for a catered hog-roast luncheon, an afternoon that combined thoughtful speeches, shared meals, and well-deserved recognition. The occasion provided an opportunity to extend sincere thanks to all who have contributed to Pineapple’s progress and success. In his presentation, Mr. Hathorn reflected on Pineapple’s journey, highlighting the key moments that have shaped our development and brought it to where we stand today.
We look forward to the next chapter – and the next 50 years of success!
