While we install chain link fence in the thousands of feet monthly, we admittedly didn’t know the origins of it. How long has it been around? Who invented it? We dove into the history of our favourite product and this is what we found.
The process for weaving wire into a chain link mesh was initially developed in the UK by Charles Barnard. Built in 1844, his apparatus was based on cloth weaving machines. The material quickly grew popular in construction, being an economical, tough, and see-through alternative to many fencing options of the day. Spreading rapidly over the next 50 years, it was the dawn of the 20th century when Anchor Post Fence Co. brought the technology to A to the American shores of New Jersey. While they themselves went bankrupt during the Great Depression, their offerings did not. Replicating the European success, chain link caught on quickly across the country and into neighbouring Mexico and Canada.
The WW2 operations on both sides of the Atlantic slowed chain link sales globally, as valuable steel was instead diverted for the manufacture of munitions and equipment. In Britain, much of the metal fencing surrounding public places and parks was actually recycled for the war effort, leading to an associated prestige with chain link fence during that time. Certain fences from that era even qualify for historical preservation, and can involve fines if they’re removed.
With the abundance of cedar in our beautiful province, and an increasing national focus on composites of recycled plastics, there exist many options in building a fence for your home, facility, or park. While we can do all of these, chain link fence has been our specialty for over 50 years, and for good reason. The affordability, durability, and flexibility of the product offers limitless applications for many years to come. If you’re interested in being the next person to switch to chain link fence, or if you are curious about learning more, please reach out to us.
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