Kevin in the factory paint shop
My name is Kevin Tuck and my company makes beautiful roof lanterns.
It all began a long time ago in a former chicken shed in a bucolic corner of rural Norfolk, England. My parents were arable and poultry farmers, living on what is now the factory site. In fact I was born in the farmhouse right here in 1959.
When I was old enough – and with small farms struggling to generate a profit – my parents suggested that I should find a job. I'd always been interested in making things, and my favourite lesson at school was woodwork – where I was encouraged by the teacher Mr Booth.
So I left school aged 16 to take up a five-year college apprenticeship – working in a boatyard, building luxury yachts in the traditional way. In 1980, having completed the apprenticeship, I was approached by a local joinery company, which gave me the opportunity to learn more about the business of making high quality products in wood.
Where it all began – the former chicken shed
In 1984 I asked my parents if I could use a redundant chicken hut on the farm to start my own joinery business. Tuck's Wood began by making bespoke glazed roofs, windows and doors, mainly for the London architectural market, but it wasn't long before we were manufacturing high-end conservatories – and selling them worldwide.
I have now been involved in making timber and glass building products for 38 years. Over that time there have been enormous developments in materials and construction methods – improving the appearance, efficiency and longevity of the product.
Today Tuck's Wood Roof Lanterns is dedicated to building glazed roof lanterns, adding natural light, space and ambience in diverse building projects – using traditional materials and techniques. Our focus is on excellence in design, manufacturing standards, attention to detail and customer service.
Our people are highly experienced, and most have been in the industry for many years. They are a multi-skilled, happy team, and all take great pride in their work. Every day they share their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to create elegant and long-lasting roof lanterns for our customers.
And every day I wake up and have to pinch myself – grateful that I have a dream job of helping to fulfil other people's aspirations.
