Our History
London Name Plate Manufacturing Company Ltd has a storied heritage dating back to 1810, when it was founded by Thomas Malby. From its inception, the company gained recognition as a prominent globe maker and cartographer for the Admiralty.
Initially, the company specialised in crafting meticulously engraved nameplates by hand. However, by the late 19th century, advancements in photographic and etching techniques revolutionised the manufacturing process, enabling the production of nameplates on a larger scale.
In 1909, a pivotal moment in the company’s history occurred when Henry Malby and his two sons established London Name Plate as an independent entity in East Finchley. Subsequently, the company relocated to more spacious premises in Clerkenwell, officially incorporating in 1919.
During the tumultuous 1930s, the Brighton factory underwent significant expansion, ultimately becoming the central hub for production, especially with the onset of “the Blitz.” Throughout World War II, London Name Plate focused its efforts on crafting cockpit dials, bomb aiming devices, plotting equipment, and navigational instruments. This dedication solidified the company’s close ties to what is now recognised as the aerospace industry.
London Name Plate has consistently prioritised quality, a tradition passed down through generations of the Malby family. This enduring commitment pays profound homage to the core principles and values upon which London Name Plate was originally founded.
The 1950s saw the introduction of thin self-adhesive anodised aluminium labels, LNP’s patented “Easy-Cals,” and further expansion of the Zylo Works.
In the 1960s, the company introduced self-adhesive plastic label products, “Plasti-Cals.” Today, LNP is still owned and managed by the Malby family, the seventh and eighth generations to do so since Malby & Sons was founded over 200 years ago.
With an exceptionally experienced staff and unrivalled expertise in the UK in the manufacture of nameplates and labels for industry, London Name Plate Manufacturing Company Ltd has an unusually long history and is a trusted name in the industry.
David and his older brother Donald (who retired recently) are extremely proud to be the 7th generation of their family to run what has, since 1810, been a truly family business.
These days David may work fewer hours than he used to but he remains fully committed and responsible for the company’s day-to-day management and forward planning. And he says he hopes to remain so until either he “goes out feet first, like most of my previous generations” or his capable and experienced co-directors, son Tom and Jenny Gearing, feel the time is right for them to take over the reins completely.