Haynes

Haynes creates world-famous car manuals, iconic booklets of repair advice that DIY enthusiasts and professionals have trusted for decades. Since producing the first manual in the mid 1960s, Haynes has applied its detailed approach to manuals for every car, motorcycle and truck. 

With a host of technical data, electronics diagnostics and repair instructions, Haynes manuals enable mechanics and car hobbyists to accurately diagnose and repair automotive faults. Haynes operates various branches alongside its five-acre site in Maidstone. Today, its major franchises include Iveco, Case IH, Fiat Commercials, Ford and JCB. The company’s sales exceed £80 million.

Haynes Timeline

Haynes… 

1790: was established as an ironmongery and general store in London by William Haynes.

1832: partnered with John Gurney, who had acquired another ironmongery business.

1856: reverted to William’s single management when John retired.

1857: welcomed William Haynes’ son, also William, into business, rebranding the firm under the name Haynes & Son.

1863: welcomed William’s second son George as a partner, rebranding the firm under the name Haynes & Sons. The business expanded to serve most of Kent and part of East Sussex. Haynes & Sons specialised in agricultural ironmongery, kitchen ranges, heating installations and patents.

1872: rebranded under the name Haynes Brothers following William’s death. Haynes Brothers went on to open an electrical contracting department and capitalised on the 1980s cycle market boom.

1903: sold its first motor car – a Humber.

1906: expanded by buying premises in King Street.

1911: partnered with Ford as one of Haynes Brothers’ main distributors.

1922: welcomed more Haynes family members Ronald and Philip, who became directors in 1936 and expanded the company yet further.

1953: welcomed David Haynes, the fifth generation of the Haynes family business. David became the managing director in 1966.

1962: opened an agricultural depot at Appledore. 

1992: opened a depot at Eastry.

2000: welcomed Andrew Haynes as the new managing director, the sixth generation of the Haynes family business. Andrew became chairman in 2009.