35 Years of CDA: From a Nottinghamshire idea to a national kitchen brand
There are moments in a company’s history when it is worth pausing to reflect on how far things have come. For the CDA Group Ltd, based in Langar, Nottinghamshire, this year marks one of those moments. It is 35 years since the business was founded with a clear and ambitious goal: to design and supply kitchen appliances that combine thoughtful design, reliable performance, and genuine value for everyday living.
Where it all began
When Ian Kershaw founded CDA in 1991, the kitchen appliance industry looked very different to today. Kitchens were primarily functional spaces, and appliances were selected mainly for practicality rather than design or integration. From the outset, our focus was on doing things differently. We set out to build a business that understood the needs of retailers and installers, while also responding to the expectations of homeowners as kitchen spaces began to evolve. What started as a small independent business gradually grew through consistent product development, strong partnerships, and a commitment to quality.Building something bigger
As the business expanded, so did our ambition. From our base in Langar, Nottinghamshire, CDA developed a growing portfolio of built-in kitchen appliances across cooking, refrigeration, and laundry. Each new product range reflected a changing market that increasingly valued integrated design, energy efficiency, and a more seamless kitchen aesthetic. Our growth has always been driven by steady progression rather than short-term change, built on listening to customers, working closely with trade partners, and refining our products year after year.A new chapter with global reach
A significant milestone came in 2015 when CDA joined the Amica Group. This marked an important new chapter for the business. It combined our UK expertise and market knowledge with the scale and international capability of a wider European group, while allowing us to continue operating from our headquarters in Langar.Langar remains at the heart of operations
Our Nottinghamshire base remains central to our operations, supporting design, product development, and customer service teams.Innovation shaped by real homes
Over time, CDA has built a reputation for creating appliances designed around real homes and real living. From compact urban kitchens to larger family spaces, our focus remains the same. We aim to design products that fit naturally into modern kitchens while delivering dependable performance and contemporary style. Behind every product is a simple principle that has guided the business since the beginning. Appliances should make everyday life easier.A changing industry, a consistent approach
The kitchen appliance sector has changed significantly over the past 35 years. Energy efficiency, sustainability, and integrated design are now central expectations rather than emerging trends. At the same time, kitchens have become more important living spaces within the home. Through this evolution, our approach has remained consistent. We continue to invest in product development, strengthen relationships with trade partners, and focus on delivering a balance of design, technology, and usability. We are also proud to have received recognition for our commitment to responsible business practices, including ethical accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide, which reflects our wider approach to sustainability and accountability.Looking back and looking forward
Speaking about the milestone, Managing Director Chris Ward said:“Reaching 35 years is a significant achievement for the business and is a testament to the dedication of our team members, partners, and customers. The kitchen appliance sector has evolved dramatically over the years, and we are proud to have continued innovating and adapting alongside changing consumer lifestyles, design trends, and technologies.”Today, CDA continues to operate from our headquarters in Langar, supporting a wide network of partners across the UK and beyond. While the industry will continue to evolve, our focus remains the same. We are committed to designing and delivering well-made, reliable kitchen appliances that support the way people live now and in the future. Because in many ways, the story that began in Nottinghamshire 35 years ago is still being written.
