Charles Winkless and David Ward, his in-law, established The Winward Company Limited in 1944. The two combined their last names to create the business name "Winward." While working on wartime tooling during his training as a toolmaker, Charles eventually worked in planning and estimating. David was a spinner for stainless steel.

Before moving on to development work for the Ford Motor Company, the company started off by making aluminum cookware and water bottles for cyclists.

David Ward passed away in 1955, and Charles Winkless took over as chairman to continue running the company. His son Paul and daughter Valerie joined the business as managing director and financial director, respectively.History-Photot

With over 250 workers, Winward once grew to be the biggest plant in the UK producing brass and copper giftware.