Jonathan Collier, Monument Tools

“We joined Made in Britain several years ago, because we wanted to be part of what the Union Jack flag represents on the world stage. When you look at plumbers, roofers, and drainage engineers now, there is a definite swell of pride in using a British-made tool.”
Jonathan Collier, Managing Director, Monument Tools

Founded in 1880, Monument Tools is a name trusted by tradespeople across the UK. Now under the leadership of fifth-generation managing director, Jonathan Collier, the company’s ambition is clear: “We want to own the plumber’s tool bag,” he says. “If an engineer visits your home, we want every tool in that bag – maybe even the bag itself – to be made by us.”

That vision is grounded in over 140 years of manufacturing heritage and a commitment to British quality. Monument Tools designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of professional-grade tools for plumbing, roofing, and drainage – many made in-house at their clean, modern facility. “Our factory is inspired by McLaren,” says Collier. “Clean, efficient, and smart.”

Innovation driven by the trade

A key part of Monument’s success is its collaboration with engineers across the UK – known as the Monument Masters. These trusted tradespeople help guide new product development, ensuring each tool is built to solve real, on-the-job problems.

Family at the core

With around 50 staff working under one roof, Monument’s culture is close-knit. Collier says it’s important to walk the factory floor daily and he feels that “everyone’s part of the family.” That ethos extends to the company’s long-standing commitment to UK manufacturing.

Proudly Made in Britain

As a proud member of the Made in Britain initiative, Monument uses the Made in Britain trademark on all of their tools. They champion home-grown industry and sees growing pride among tradespeople in using British-made tools. “Our tools represent quality and value - and we should be shouting about that,” he says.

A word to the next generation

Though Collier didn’t initially plan to join the family business, he’s now a vocal advocate for manufacturing careers. “You have to be passionate,” he says. “It’s hard work but incredibly rewarding. I just wish there was more government support for small manufacturers like us.”

In an era of offshoring and mass production, Monument Tools stands out: family-owned, proudly British, and built to last.