Thomas Bacon French Thompson, born in 1915 above his parents' grocery shop, embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that led to the establishment of TBF Thompson (Garvagh) Ltd, now a prominent name in the plant and truck dealership industry.
*Early Ventures and Business Expansion
At 15, Tom joined the family business, initially serving behind the counter. By 18, he convinced his father to replace their horse and cart with a lorry for deliveries, marking the inception of his haulage enterprise. The business flourished, necessitating the acquisition of larger Bedford trucks to meet growing demand.
Post-War Growth and Diversification
During World War II, Tom and his associate, P.J. Pattison Nutt, leased quarries to supply materials for airfield constructions at Nutt's Corner and Millisle. In 1946, he purchased 70 ex-Army lorries, refurbishing them for civilian use—a move that significantly expanded his fleet. The acquisition of Strabane Service Station in 1947 introduced R.J. (Bertie) Gillanders to the team, marking the beginning of a successful partnership.
By the early 1950s, the Thompson Motor Company had secured franchises for Hillman cars, as well as Commer and Karrier commercial vehicles. The popularity of the two-stroke Commer TS3 led to the first expansion of their premises. In 1958, the company was incorporated as TBF Thompson (Garvagh) Ltd.
Strategic Acquisitions and Market Leadership
In 1961, TBF Thompson acquired J.A. Potter on Ravenhill Road, Belfast, rebranding it as TBF Thompson (Belfast) Ltd. The company showcased franchises like Leyland, Albion, Scammell, and Ford Commercial, achieving substantial sales. By 1963, the implementation of two-way radios in service vehicles enhanced operational efficiency across the province.
Responding to perceptions of Garvagh's remoteness, Tom established premises on Shore Road, Belfast, to better serve JCB customers in Belfast, Co Down, and Co Armagh. The facility's opening in 1969, attended by the Bamford family and officiated by Prime Minister James Chichester-Clark, cemented JCB's market leadership in Northern Ireland. Notably, TBF Thompson placed a record £2 million order with JCB.
Diversification into Construction and Property Development
In 1971, TBF Thompson diversified by acquiring quarrying and road construction company R.J. Maxwell & Son Ltd, followed by W.M. Bolton & Sons Ltd, a civil engineering firm. This expansion into construction was further bolstered in 1975 with the formation of TBF Thompson (Properties) Ltd, initiating ventures into property development with significant land acquisitions, including around 200 acres at Mountsandel in Coleraine.
The company's most significant acquisition occurred in 1977 with Farrans Ltd, a renowned civil engineering firm responsible for major projects across the UK. This acquisition included subsidiaries like Ready Use Concrete, Scotts of Toomebridge, J.T. Glover quarry owners, and Strangford Ltd, among others.
Transition and Continued Growth*
In 1978, the group was sold to Cement Roadstone Holdings, a Dublin-based multinational. However, TBF Thompson's management remained actively involved until 1985, after which they focused on other ventures, including the acquisition of the Charles Hurst motor group in 1984.
The plant and engineering division continued to expand between 1985 and 1999, securing franchises for brands like Hino in 1987, Bitelli in 1988, Hitachi in 1991, and DAF in 1995 through the acquisition of commercial vehicle dealer GMS.
Today, TBF Thompson stands as a testament to Tom Thompson's vision and entrepreneurial spirit, maintaining a significant presence in the automotive and plant industries throughout Ireland.