David Alan Harrison left school in 1953 and began working on the family farm. He soon moved into seasonal work, gaining experience across farming, joinery, demolition, quarrying, and tree felling. During the summer months, he built up a stock of timber, and in winter he began sawing logs, bagging them, and delivering them by tractor and trailer to surrounding towns. This developed into a successful business, which later expanded into the sale of potatoes and vegetables alongside firewood.

He then purchased his first lorry, a three-ton Austin petrol model, using it to sell logs and produce locally. Demand quickly increased, enabling him to purchase a second lorry—a Guy Otter wagon with an 18ft flat platform and a 10-ton carrying capacity—allowing for larger loads and longer-distance deliveries.

In 1958, he founded D.A. Harrison and began operating in haulage, transporting farm feeds, hay, straw, and fertiliser for local farmers. In the autumn of that year, he purchased 500 acres of straw from a farmer in Berwick, baled it, and transported it to Cumberland for sale to local farmers. This venture generated sufficient funds to purchase a third wagon, an Albion Clydesdale 10-tonner (registration SAO 863), which he used for long-distance haulage, working with a local firm and driving the vehicle himself.

In 1961, he was involved in a serious car accident which temporarily prevented him from working. During his recovery, he employed a driver, and once recovered, both continued operating wagons and focused on growing the transport business.

In 1962, he married Margaret Harrison, who worked tirelessly alongside him in building the business.

In 1963, two flat wagons were replaced with two tipper vehicles. In 1965, a pivotal opportunity arose when he was asked to deliver sand from Armathwaite near Carlisle to Distington in West Cumbria. After providing a sample for testing, the material was approved. David then secured a block of unused land on the family farm—later agreed for purchase by his father—and established a sand quarry operation. The following weeks saw the rapid development of quarrying activities, plant acquisition, product sales, and fleet expansion, alongside the construction of storage facilities.

By 1970, the business operated seven vehicles and continued to expand its land holdings. In 1973, Hangingshaw Quarry was opened.

Throughout the early 1970s, the business expanded further into flat haulage. In 1976, additional contracts, workshops, and storage facilities were secured, enabling the company to grow its customer base and offer dedicated storage services.

In 1978, Watson’s Garage in Waverton (now Coppins Garage) was purchased. The site was developed into a storage facility and expanded filling station, including an on-site workshop.

During this period, the sand and gravel business continued to thrive, leading to diversification into ready-mixed concrete production. With in-house production of sand and aggregates already established, the company only needed to source cement. A batching plant was constructed, marking the start of many successful years in concrete production.

In 1979, planning permission was granted for sand and gravel extraction at High House (Hill House), north of Cobble Hall. Later that year, Aldoth Quarry was approved as a waste disposal site, beginning its operations in waste management. In 1982, the company acquired a skip hire business, which continues to operate today.

In the early 1980s, the company obtained a stevedore licence at Silloth Port, which had previously been unmanned for several years. This enabled the business to handle port operations, including animal feed and fertiliser cargoes, a role it continues to fulfil today.

Between 1980 and 1987, the next generation completed their education and joined the family business.

In 1989, Hetherington’s Sawmill in Wigton was acquired, including office buildings and a storage yard. The offices are now leased, while the yard remains in operational use. That same year, Atlas Concrete was established, producing T-beams and precast agricultural panels.

In 2001, the business expanded into Silloth Airfield with the purchase of three storage buildings (formerly Johnston Controls), now forming a key part of the company’s storage operations.

In 2012, the ready-mix concrete division expanded with the acquisition of plants in Carlisle and Workington, significantly increasing production capacity and strengthening supply chains for sand and stone products.

In 2014, major investment was made in hollowcore production, including the installation of a German Weiler plant, with production beginning in 2015. During this period, the head office was relocated to Solway House, Silloth, bringing finance, transport, and Atlas Concrete operations together under one roof.

In 2021, Atlas Concrete acquired Matrix Moulds & Models Limited in St Helens, expanding its precast product capabilities into specialist infrastructure moulds including stairs, landings, and railway products.

In 2022, a new ready-mix concrete plant was opened in Penrith, alongside existing facilities in Silloth, Workington, and Carlisle, further strengthening regional coverage.

In 2023, Atlas Concrete acquired ACP Concrete Limited, adding production facilities in Workington and Manchester and marking a significant milestone in business expansion.

In 2024, the acquisition of F. Brown (Carlisle) Ltd further strengthened the group, adding additional storage capacity and a strategic location close to the Carlisle Southern Link Bypass.

In 2025, a new ready-mix concrete plant was opened in Kendal, alongside existing facilities in Silloth, Workington, Penrith, and Carlisle, further strengthening regional coverage.

Today, D.A. Harrison remains a proudly family-run business, operated by Willie, David, Richard, and Judy, alongside the wider family team. Together, they continue to develop and expand the company, building on its strong heritage while driving the business forward into the future.