Over 100 Years of Pioneering Innovation

The last 12 months have been incredible here at Ideal; from our Logic and Logic+ boilers winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, to the launch of our latest boiler, Vogue and everything in between!

Where it all began….

In 1905, the Foundry furnace was first lit on National Avenue, Hull and Ideal Heating (formally National Radiator Company) was born.

Over the years, there have been a number of key milestones, which shaped the company’s history. Here are just a few…

1920 – Launch of Ideal CookanHeat

A revolutionary designed, free-standing stove that combined an open fire, central heating boiler, cooking oven and hot cupboard all in one unit. The local paper reported that in Hull alone, 1,600 homes were to be fitted with the product – a great achievement for the company.

1926 – Ideal’s first Royal Visit

In October 1926, HRH The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Sheriff of Hull, the Lord Major, Chief Constable and the Rt Hon T R Ferens visited the site for a tour of the factory.

1948 – Ideal’s second Royal Visit

On 1st December 1948 the Duke of Edinburgh toured the ideal factory – a second Royal visit for Ideal.

1953 – A new name

In 1953, the company changed its name to Ideal Standard.

1970 – Launch of the Concord boiler

A best-seller and an award-winning boiler, the Concord was one of the best looking and elegant models of its time.

1980 - £6m investment

To remain a major force in the heating industry, Ideal was granted a £6 million investment in an ultra modern boiler Foundry.

1986 - Ideal Turbo 12 gas fired condensing boiler was launched

This boiler was 94% efficient in condensing mode – a revolutionary product!

1991 – Launch of the Ideal Classic Combi 80 boiler

This was the UK’s first cast-iron combination boiler and its easy installation was demonstrated at London’s prestigious Heating and Ventilation Exhibition. 

1994 – Two-landmark achievements in one year!

Ideal achieved Investors in People Standard and World Class in manufacturing status in just one year.  

2005 – A celebration of the millionth Classic boiler produced

2009 – Launch of the Logic boiler range

Thanks to the success of the Logic boiler, it helped make Ideal one of the fastest growing boiler brands in the UK.

2013 – Third Royal visit!

In May, Ideal was awarded a Queens Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its Logic and Logic+ boilers. To mark this prestigious award, Ideal welcomed Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, The Hon. Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister to the site in Hull.

2013 – Consumers recommend Ideal!

In September, the highly regarded, Good Housekeeping magazine granted Ideal boiler with Reader Recommended Status. 

2014 – Get More from Ideal!

This year has already seen our Logic+ boilers awarded Product of the Year in the Household Boiler category; a brand new website, a revamped Installer Connect and sponsorship of the premiership football club Hull City FC.

There is even more to come before the end of the year including the production of our millionth Logic+ boiler!