Margate Engineering was started in 1958 in a small shop in Margate's Bank street by Don Cooper. Don, nicknamed "The Burglar Guard King," was the first producer of the very popular standard sized burglar guards for wooden windows.

In the late 1960's Margate Engineering moved to its present site in Manaba Beach, and in 1974, the firm was purchased by the Howard-Tripp family, Bob, Joan, and Geoff. Because of Bob's willingness to tackle virtually any engineering or manufacturing task, Margate Engineering was soon very much in demand for his expertise and quality workmanship. Bob's son, Geoff started specialising in wrought iron fabrications and soon became the man to call for anything from Spanish style burglar guards to balustrades. Later, Geoff's brother Darryl joined Margate Engineering, and, as manager of the fencing division, erected many a fence you see as you travel the South Coast.

Sadly, Bob passed away in 1988, but left a family that had become well-established in the local engineering industry–able to continue where he left off. In 1987 the firm had built new premises, but retained the original building (pictured left) for offices, shop and stores. Today, Geoff, Darryl and their staff are able to offer their customers decades of experience in the engineering and security products fields.