Contactum

Trading Depot supplies a range of Contactum Distribution Boards and plug socket and general wiring ranges.

Contactum was established in 1936, with one second hand moulding machine they started producing plug tops and moved on to a range of switches and sockets.

In 1940 Contactum turned its focus on to the war efforts and manufactured heating elements for surveillance cameras and push buttons for bomb release mechanisms. After the war and the government's edict on copper saving, Contactum embraced the ring mains system, with a range of suitable wiring accessories.

In 1957 and in line with the proliferation of domestic appliances Contactum launches their first twin socket.

In 1964, Mr. Brian Piepenstock and Mr. Paul Bollinghaus joined the company, sons of two of the co-founders.

Contactum pioneered the development of thermo-set injection moulding techniques - a lead they still hold today.

Standardisation of double pole switching on all switched socket outlets shows that Contactum leads the market in 1979.

Contactum starts a program of vertical integration from 1957 with the purchase of a turned parts company. This is followed by a tool making company, special purpose machine engineering company and a thermoplastic moulding company.

In April 2002, Paul Bollinghaus and Brian Piepenstock became joint Chairmen leading the Contactum group, whilst Dave Harrison was recruited as Managing Director, not only to take responsibility of the day to day running of the "core" Contactum business - but also to strengthen the Management team. In turn developing a secure future business, before responsabilty is handed over to the third generation of the Piepenstock family.

In November 2003, after almost forty years working for Contactum, Paul Bollinghaus decided that it was time to retire.

Thanks to Paul’s excellent work, the technical advancement he has brought to the business, and the long term Product Development programme that Paul has run over the years has enabled the company to offer value for money British made products of the highest quality and reliability. It is our intention to build on this good work.

Trading Depot stocks a wide range of Contactum switches and sockets.