Niels Larsen was founded in København, Denmark in 1893 as a designer and manufacturer of gymnastic and rehabilitation equipment. A subsidiary was later established in Leeds in 1907 bringing innovative designs into the UK market, many of which were later incorporated into our own British Standards. Niels Larsen can justly claim therefore, to be the ‘founding father’ of British gymnastic apparatus.

The company traded continuously as Niels Larsen Ltd until 1971 when it was acquired by the Sutcliffe Group of Companies. The ‘Larsen’ brand was however, retained by Sutcliffe Leisure in recognition of the exceptional quality of the equipment. In 1995, the sports and gymnastic equipment manufacturing business of Sutcliffe Leisure, including the Niels Larsen manufacturing unit, became independent once again as a result of a management buyout. The new company, again trading as Niels Larsen Ltd, is a wholly owned independent business.

‘The personal development and safety of all gymnasts - whether pre-school children or physical training instructors - depends on the quality, stability and structural integrity of the equipment being used. Niels Larsen products are well designed, and manufactured from the finest materials with real pride by our Yorkshire craftsmen. We hope you will enjoy using them.’