Company History

The Wilkes Group was originally founded in 1946 by Mr Gerald Wilkes.

The Second World War had just come to an end and having spent a considerable time in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, a career in catering seemed a natural progression.

Industry was developing rapidly and the "works canteen" was an essential part of any growing business. With his keen entrepreneurial spirit and an eye for business opportunity, Gerald was soon successful in taking over the responsibility of the running of many of these canteens throughout the West Yorkshire area.

As the number of outlets grew, Wilkes Catering Services, as it was then known, purchased more and more provision for their many outlets. It was at this stage that Catering Supplies (Wakefield) Ltd was formed to purchase and distribute groceries to the works canteens.

In later years, the range of products supplied by Catering Supplies (Wakefield) Ltd included ingredients used in Automatic Vending Equipment, in addition to the Catering Disposables already provided.

It was at this time that Wilkes Vending Services Ltd was formed in 1970. Over the past 40 years, the popularity and range of Vending Machines has continued to increase. Wilkes Vending now offer a full range of Hot Beverages, Canned Drinks, Confectionery and Hot Food, in addition to the Bottled and Mains Fed Water Cooler Services provided by our latest edition to the Group, Thirsty 4 Water and Thirstbusters (both trading names under Wilkes Vending Services Limited). In total, we are responsible for the supply of over 2000 Vending Machines throughout the North of England.

In 1990, the Group progressed into Industrial and Contract Cleaning and in recent years Wilkes Group has enjoyed substantial growth in all areas of its business.

During 2007 Wilkes Group moved to a brand new purpose built office and warehouse complex near Junction 40 of the M1 motorway in Wakefield.