Our Story

giovedì 16 gennaio 2020

The Atkins Story

Since 1878 John Atkins & Co have been supporting, working with and delivering to Irish Farmers. Through the generations the same top-quality standards have been maintained.

1878

When John (Atkins) met Joseph (Wolfe) to form an agricultural merchants at 49 South Mall, Cork.		An old photo of John Atkins

1885

2nd outlet opened at 5 Patrick's Quay. Company now north & south of the river!
Atkins outlet opened at 5 Patrick's Quay in 1885, historical photo
A photo of an old black and white buisness card for McKenzies, Atkins competitor at the time

1898

McKenzies, a competitor on nearby Camden Quay, acquired. Atkins and McKenzies kept as separate entities offering different products and serving different customers.

1899

Legal entity, John Atkins & Co. Ltd., founded. Registration no. 2827, now one of Ireland's oldest surviving companies.Company 50% owned by both John and Joseph.

1900

Rapid growth required another outlet. 54 South Mall, Cork opened		Photo of an old sketch of 54 South Mall, Cork

1910

WWI, War of Independence, Civil war. Period of retrenchment. John & Joseph, being of the Protestant faith, must have thought about getting out but didn't and passed the business on to the second generation.		Photo of an old poster from War of Independence with text "Farmers of Ireland Join Up & Defend your possessions"
An old black and white photo of farmers working

1920

Expansion again. Southern Seed Company acquired, outlet opened in Dingle (Co. Kerry).		An old photo of man and women in field, two horses pulling the plough

1936-45

"Economic War", WWII: a grim period in Irish life and farming. Any company does well to come through it.
Photo of Atkins outlet opened in 1950 in Clonakilty

1950

And we're off again. Into the 3rd generation now. Outlet opened in Clonakilty. New fertiliser subsidiary, CFD, complete with drying plant, built at Monahan Rd., Cork. Staff partake in funding the new company.		Photo of an old leaflet from 1961 advertising new Atkins home and garden store opened at Winthrop street

1961

South Mall outlets closed, Winthrop Street "home and garden store" with its cutting edge "self selection" format opened.

1964

Relocation of the farm machinery business from Patricks Quay in Cork City to Carrigrohane Road on the outskirts of the city. Commencement of importation of several lines of machinery from Europe, including Bredal & Bogballe, still successful today.		Photo of the plan for Atkins Farm Machinery new premises on Carrigrohane Road in Cork

1970-1980

Ireland joins EEC, farming flourishes, machinery in demand. Addition of branches at Bandon, Fermoy, Midleton to consolidate the territory of Cork for the farm machinery division. McKenzies (garden machinery) and Gardenworld also thrive on urbanisation or Ireland.		Photo of an old leaflet with sketched lawnmower and text which congratulates John Atkins & Co. LTD on the opening of new premises at Winthrop street
Photo of Peter Wolfe

1996

Peter Wolfe (4th generation) buys out Atkins family shareholders		Photo of Atkins Gardenworld premises on Carrigrohane Road in Cork

2008

Gardenworld rebuilt after a flood the previous year