65 Years at John Pipe International

In December 2026, John Pipe International reaches a major milestone – 65 years in business. It is a moment that reflects not only longevity, but a deep rooted history in shipping, a commitment to people, and a way of working that has quietly set standards across the freight, packing and logistics industry for decades.

The John Pipe story did not begin in 1961 alone. Its connection to shipping stretches back much further, shaped by generations whose lives and livelihoods were tied to the sea.

Maritime roots before John Pipe began

The Pipe family’s links to shipping go back more than a century. In the late 19th century, an uncle of the founder of John Pipe Ltd, Mr Couth, worked as an English Channel pilot out of Fowey in Devon, guiding vessels safely through some of the busiest and most challenging waters in the country.

That maritime legacy continued into the next generation. In 1939, Richard ‘Dick’ Street, the grandfather of John and David Pipe, founded the South American Saint Line, a respected shipping line that further cemented the family’s place within the world of international trade and transport.

These early influences helped shape a mindset that valued reliability, seamanship, and responsibility – principles that would later become central to John Pipe International.

The foundation of John Pipe Ltd

In 1961, John Pipe Ltd was founded in Newport, South Wales. What began as a focused packing and freight business quickly developed a reputation for doing things properly, with care, precision and a strong sense of accountability to customers.

From the outset, the business was built on family values. While the company would grow and evolve over time, that family-led approach would remain constant.

As Managing Director Nathan Kennedy reflects:

“John Pipe International holds family values at its heart. It was started as a family business and while that family has changed, it remains a family business today.”

Expanding into southern England

Growth followed steadily. In 1977, the business expanded into the South of England with the opening of the Sturminster Marshall branch. This important move was led by Derek Taylor, one of the original figures from the Newport days, who ensured that the standards, values and working practices of John Pipe Ltd were carried through intact.

This expansion marked more than a new location. It represented a commitment to serving a wider customer base while maintaining the same high level of service and trust that had defined the business from the start.

1983 – establishing a permanent home in Poole

In 1983, John Pipe relocated to its current 1.5-acre site in Poole, Dorset. The move brought with it 25,000 square feet of purpose-built facilities, including heavy goods handling areas and humidity-controlled packing spaces.

This investment allowed the business to support larger, more complex consignments and reinforced its long-term commitment to quality, safety and customer confidence.

A people-first culture that endures

One of the most defining features of John Pipe International is its people. Over the decades, many team members have spent the majority of their working lives with the company.

Gold watches have long marked 25 years of service, a tradition that reflects mutual loyalty and respect. That culture continues today. Paul Hann, one of the most experienced packers, has reached 30 years. Dave Fry, the celebrated sawyer, has reached 34 years. Sandy Travers, affectionately known as the Queen of cartons, is now in her 32nd year.

Across the business as a whole, the average length of service sits at around ten years.

“We are so proud to have retained and supported our people for so many years,” says Nathan. “We look forward to awarding more gold watches in the not-so-distant future.”

Tried-and-tested packing methods

While tools and technology have changed, the fundamentals of how John Pipe International packs goods have remained remarkably consistent.

Those methods have successfully transported billions of pounds’ worth of machinery, factory assembly lines, medical equipment, artwork, sporting goods, furniture, vehicles and leisure industry items across the globe.

Sustainability has long been part of this approach. For over 60 years, the business has relied on recyclable and eco-friendly materials as standard, reducing plastic use wherever possible and substituting materials such as corrugated paper in place of bubble wrap.

Digital systems have since replaced many paper-heavy processes, reducing archiving space and improving efficiency, while modern power tools now support work that once relied on pure manual skill – including the legendary ability to drive six-inch nails home in just three hammer strikes.

1973 onwards – defence and aerospace specialism

A pivotal moment came in 1973 when John Pipe was invited by Siebe Gorman in Wales to support the packing of scuba diving equipment for the Royal Navy.

The specifications required for this work laid the foundations for what would later become recognised defence packing standards, including UK Defence Standards and US Navy requirements. From there, John Pipe International went on to support a growing number of military and defence suppliers.

In recent years, the Ministry of Defence has revised its authorisation process for packing companies. John Pipe International has played an active role in this evolution, with Nathan Kennedy acting as a consultant to the MoD.

“Nathan was the first individual to pass the new MPAS exams,” says Works Director Jon Fenton. “His certificate number is 001, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Growth, accreditation and integration

In 1991, the business achieved ISO 9001 accreditation, formally recognising its commitment to quality management systems.

Further expansion followed in 1995 with the opening of modern premises in Chandlers Ford, featuring advanced facilities including overhead cranes capable of lifting up to eight tonnes.

In 2001, the company celebrated 40 years of operation, with Jenny Pipe recognising long-serving team members and reaffirming the business’s focus on people and progress.

A significant strategic move came in 2002 with the acquisition of Active International Movements Ltd, expanding service capability and strengthening the company’s position within the freight sector.

In 2007, John Pipe International was formally created through the merger of Active with John Pipe Ltd, bringing together expertise and resources to offer enhanced import and export services under one integrated brand.

Celebrating 50 years

In 2011, John Pipe International marked its Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years of trading. The Bournemouth event reflected on the company’s journey, its challenges and successes, and its ambition for the future.

It was both a celebration of heritage and a reaffirmation of the values that would continue to guide the business.

A new chapter of leadership

Nathan Kennedy joined the company in 2008 as Operations Manager and became Managing Director in 2017.

“Nathan’s leadership brought renewed energy and focus,” says Jon. “He has combined respect for our history with a clear vision for continuous improvement.”

In 2019, the Pipe family sold the business to Nathan as they approached retirement, entrusting him with the legacy they had built. Under his ownership, John Pipe International has continued to strengthen its reputation while remaining true to its roots.

Security, defence and recognition

In 2020, John Pipe International achieved Cyber Essentials certification, reinforcing its commitment to protecting information and maintaining secure digital systems.

In 2024, the company signed the Armed Forces Covenant and received the Bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, followed by the Silver award in 2025. The business continues to work towards achieving Gold status.

That same year, John Pipe International secured six industry awards, including the BIFA Freight Services Award for Specialist Services, and achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, underlining its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Looking ahead to 65 years and beyond

On 13 December 2026, John Pipe International officially turns 65.

As the business looks ahead, its direction is shaped by the same principles that defined its past – skilled people, proven methods, sustainable thinking and trusted relationships. New technology, and innovation offers fresh opportunities to support customers, but the foundations remain unchanged.

After 65 years, John Pipe International continues to stand as a quiet benchmark for reliability, integrity and excellence in packing and freight forwarding.

And the next chapter is only just beginning.