This year, Polstore Storage Systems proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary six decades of engineering-led organisation, customer focus, and solutions that stand the test of time.

From High Street Beginnings to Industry Leader

Polstore’s story began in 1964, above a drapery shop on Esher High Street. It was here that St. John and Erica Lucas-Lucas ran a small but ambitious sales and import business, introducing German office furniture from Pohlschröder to UK organisations.

Their early customers included major names such as the UK Atomic Authority, Rolls Royce, National Cash Register and later FORD. Early proof that smart, efficient storage could transform productivity in demanding environments.

As demand grew, so did Polstore. More staff were hired, warehouse space was secured, and by the early 1970s the company had built its own manufacturing facility in Byfleet, Surrey. This paved the way for the creation of the now iconic 9400 Series machine tool cabinet, a hybrid design combining the refinement of office furniture with heavy-duty engineering capability.

The success of this product helped pioneer a shift from traditional shelving to high-density, quick-retrieval drawer systems, repositioning storage as a central, efficiency-driving component of engineering operations.

Decades of Evolution, One Consistent Purpose

Across the years, Polstore has continued to adapt and innovate while staying true to its core principle: creating organised, efficient spaces that help businesses perform at their best.

Milestones include:

• Supporting Europe’s top materials handling brands
• Delivering pest-free museum and heritage storage
• Introducing one of the earliest tool management systems in the 1980s
• Investing in CNC technology to offer custom-cut foam inserts
• Designing and installing UK and global fit-outs for engineering, military, automotive, and education sectors

A New Era Under Adam Lucas-Lucas

When Adam joined the family business, one of his first major projects was a landmark installation for the British Museum’s Egyptian Department in 2001, a moment that sparked his passion for complex, high-value environments.

Today, Adam leads Polstore into its next chapter, delivering large-scale projects across sectors including:

• Engineering
• Heritage and conservation
• Defence and military
• Automotive restoration
• Universities and technical education

With new developments and major installations planned for 2026 and beyond, the company’s ambition is stronger than ever.

Marking 60 Years with Purpose: 60 Acts of Kindness

To celebrate the anniversary, the Polstore team committed to ‘60 Acts of Kindness’, a year-long programme of charitable and community-focused activities.

These acts have included:

• Climbing Mount Snowdon in extreme winter conditions
• Completing multiple 5K charity runs
• Tackling the 171km UTMB ultra-trail
• Supporting local causes throughout Surrey and beyond
• Helping friends and neighbours with small acts of kindness

Each challenge reflects the values that have shaped Polstore since 1964: resilience, generosity, and doing what’s right for the long term.

Looking Ahead

Sixty years on from its beginnings in a small room above a high street shop, Polstore remains dedicated to building storage solutions that help organisations work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

With continued investment, a growing team, and exciting projects on the horizon, the next chapter promises to be just as bold as the last.

Here’s to 60 years and to shaping the future of storage for decades to come.