Novar plc
| Industry | packaging industry |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1921 |
| Defunct | 1 April 2005 |
| Fate | Acquired by Honeywell |
| Successor | Novar Controls |
| Headquarters | Weybridge, Surrey, England, UK |
Novar plc (formerly Caradon plc) was a UK-based international building supplies group. It originated in 1921 as the Metal Box Company, formed through the amalgamation of several businesses involved in canning and printing. By the 1970s, Metal Box had become a market leader in these sectors.
During the 1980s, the company diversified into the building supplies industry, eventually operating around 30 companies that provided products to the construction and DIY sectors. In the early 1990s, the company was rebranded as Caradon plc, reflecting its growing focus on building products.
In 2000, Caradon sold off its plumbing and bathroom brands, including the Caradon name, and continued its operations under the name Novar plc. The rebranding reflected a strategic shift toward technology and controls, particularly through its subsidiary Novar Controls.
In 2005, Novar plc was acquired by Honeywell, a U.S.-based multinational conglomerate. Following the acquisition, Novar’s UK operations were largely dismantled or integrated into Honeywell’s business divisions, effectively rendering Novar plc defunct.