The Safety Letterbox Company are a leading UK manufacturer specialising in secure, customisable mail and parcel delivery systems. Operating within the property management, and construction industries, we design and produce high-quality, innovative solutions that ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Our products cater to a wide range of clients, from large-scale Build-to-Rent (BTR) developments to individual homeowners and commercial properties. With a focus on enhancing security protocols and supporting modern delivery needs, we are dedicated to setting new standards for the way mail and parcels are managed.
Our History
Company Inception and Early Innovation
In 1986, The Safety Letterbox Company was started by Ian Brown, who identified a need for a mailbox to be fitted to the back of a letter flap on a front door to contain unwanted items, threats of arson, and intimidation. This was following a visit to an elderly couple living on the top floor of a tower block with no means of escape and living in fear of incidents via their letter flap.
Development of Homeguard
As an engineer and business owner, Ian produced a box called Homeguard, fitted with an intumescent extinguisher, and returned to install it for them free of charge. It provided them with so much peace of mind that Ian decided to market the product.
Expansion to Mailboxes
When demonstrating this product to architects and developers, he was asked for mailboxes to go on, in, and through the wall. As a result, he then duly created and developed our first range of mailboxes.
Growth and Innovation
Fast forward 35 years, and we now have over 180 models of mailboxes in our range. We are at the forefront of innovation and aesthetics within mailboxes and now parcel boxes. This includes a 2-hour Fire Rated mailbox range and Secured By Design mailbox solutions. We also designed and manufactured FlaplockTM, a lockable letter flap, designed to lock off the letter flap as a retro-fit product. This was produced as a result of demand from UK Arson Task Force teams, again to address crime associated with the letter flap.
Bespoke Solutions and Prestigious Projects
SLB bespoke solutions are second to none – adorning the most prestigious of developments worldwide, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and projects in Mexico, Gibraltar, the US, Qatar, Australia, with multiple projects being installed weekly in the UK. Working with designers, architects, and developers, SLB has created the most visually impactful and beautiful arrangements with clever technical expertise, literally turning their vision into reality.
Recognition and Acquisition
In 2011, Ian Brown received an MBE for services to Industry in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. He continues to operate as a consultant to the business following his retirement in 2012 when SLB became part of the Renz Group.
CURRENT
Leadership and Growth
The Safety Letterbox Company is the UK’s leading mailbox and parcel box manufacturer, run by Ian’s daughter, Alison Orrells, who joined the business in 1999. Alison was instrumental in setting up many departments within SLB and bringing in multiple processes and procedures. She took over as Managing Director & CEO in 2007. Alison has received many recognitions over the years, such as South Wales Business Woman of the Year 2016 and Female Managing Director of the Year. The business itself has been recognised many times for innovation, growth, expansion, and international business.
Joining the Renz Group
Joining the Renz Group in 2012 was a mutually beneficial arrangement. It provided the backing of a large international group and the almost 100 years of experience Renz had in Europe. This allowed SLB to be run as it always has been, with strong family values and culture, and a thorough understanding of the UK market.
Workforce and Ethical Standards
SLB continues to grow and currently employs over 60 local people. All employees are vitally important to the business. It is run with best practices and ethical standards in mind. Departments include Sales & Estimating, Accounts, R&D, Marketing, E-commerce, Continuous Improvement, Production Control, Installation, Service & Maintenance, and Despatch. All products are made in-house with departments such as sheet metal, welding and fabricating, powder coating, assembly, and engraving.
Research and Development
As manufacturers with total control over R&D, we can work with the customer to provide the very best solution for their project. The Safety Letterbox Co has a loyal, experienced, and highly productive team that work within an open, measurable, and quality-driven culture.
Commitment to Excellence
As an Investors in People and ISO9001 company, SLB operates in a continuous improvement environment with a passionate and proactive mindset. The customer is at the forefront of everything at SLB, and being a British manufacturer is vitally important to SLB core values.
Industry Involvement
SLB is a trusted voice in the industry with involvement in many bodies such as Made In Britain, Chamber of Trade, and CBI. Alison also sits on the Board of Swansea Bay Business Club, Manufacturing Wales, and the CBI Council for Wales and Nationally for SMEs and Manufacturing.
Corporate Social Responsibility
SLB is firmly committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility pillars and the road map it follows to ensure the company consistently delivers for the business, valued customers, the environment, and our community.
Renz Group Overview
Renz Group is Europe’s market leader, employing over 820 personnel with factories in Germany, Poland, France, and SLB in the UK. It has immense capability, knowledge, and expertise. With a phenomenal range of products for both mail and parcel delivery, including the multi-award-winning myRENZbox intelligent systems, Renz Group satisfies and future-proofs the growing demands of e-commerce and intralogistics.
Our Story
Established in 1986, our journey began with a simple but powerful idea: to provide secure, reliable, and customisable mailbox solutions for both residential and commercial properties, addressing the growing need for advanced security in the delivery process.
Founded with a commitment to excellence, we pride ourselves on being the only UK manufacturer to hold the prestigious IASME Level 2 certification for our myRENZbox products. This achievement speaks to our dedication to meeting the highest standards of safety and innovation in the industry.
Our Timeline
Thinking Outside the Box in Mail & Parcel Delivery
Through years of collaboration with fire chiefs and industry leaders, we have developed a deep understanding of the importance of safety compliance and the evolving needs of modern delivery systems. We are proud to play a pivotal role in raising industry standards and offering cutting-edge products, such as our Secure Information Box (SIB), designed to improve safety protocols and protect sensitive information.
Our range of bespoke mailboxes and parcel systems are not only functional but also thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into any architectural vision. Whether it’s for a large-scale Build-to-Rent (BTR) development or a single property, we understand that security needs vary, and we are committed to providing tailored solutions for every project.
At The Safety Letterbox Company, we are more than just a manufacturer; we are a trusted partner in enhancing security, improving operational efficiency, and delivering peace of mind to our customers. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and safety continues to drive us forward as we work to shape the future of secure mail and parcel delivery.
Award Winning British Manufacturer
We are incredibly proud to be an award-winning British manufacturer, recognised for our commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship.
As proud members of Made in Britain and Manufacturing Wales, we continue to uphold the highest standards in production, ensuring that every product we deliver is a testament to British excellence. Our involvement in these prestigious organisations reflects our dedication to supporting local industries, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices, and contributing to the strength of the UK manufacturing sector.
Find Out More
Compliance and Documentation
Text: We prioritise adherence to all safety and security standards, recognising their importance in ensuring best practices within our business. Our commitment extends to operating responsibly, maintaining a safe working environment, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of our operations.
Meet the Team
Our team at The Safety Letterbox Company is highly skilled in delivering exceptional service to all customers. We provide detailed project drawings for every enquiry, offer a variety of site services such as surveys and installations, and ensure fast lead times for a seamless experience from start to finish.
Memberships & Accreditations
We strongly believe in collaboration and knowledge-sharing, engaging with industry groups and regulatory bodies to ensure our voice is heard. This involvement allows us to influence standards, stay ahead of emerging trends, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of best practices in our field.
