The history of Steering Developments

In 1981, a group of 7 engineers pooled their resources and knowledge to set up a company specialising in vehicle adaptations and mobility. That was 4 decades ago, and Steering Developments Ltd has been going strong ever since.

Over the years we’ve brought many other companies under the SDL umbrella to help keep up our unique level of exceptional service and innovation. For example, we acquired Feeny and Johnson to help us further develop our products and bring new technologies to fruition. We also partner with companies who meet our high standards, including Yamaha for powered wheelchairs, and Joysteer for the latest in hand control systems.

We continue to strive for excellence, and are proud to be considered market leaders in providing the best possible service and reliability – just as our customers have come to expect from us over the years.

The mobility industry has come along in leaps and bounds over the last 4 decades; not just the technologies available, but also the cars that we drive and the tools that we use. We’ve gathered a few old photographs that show just how far we’ve come since we began, including our special royal visit some years ago – have a look at a little slice of motoring history below!

SDL’s original joystick steering controls in use

Receiving an award for our good workmanship

And how dated do these coloured lights system look

Some of our staff from many years ago

As per today, working on all types of cars, UK and overseas

Hand controls, how things have progressed from this

Oh how our offices and computers have changed with time

Showing off our demonstrator vehicles, lifts and wheelchairs

In preparation of our Royal visit

Royalty on tour of our old workshop and seeing cars in different stages of adaptions