Duple was started in 1919 by Herbert White and the name 'Duple' was supposed to mean 'dual role'. Surplus vehicles from the First World War were rebodied with coachwork that could be full of seats, or with seats removed carry goods. From 1928 Duple got orders for bus bodies and Duple became established a builder of bus and coaches. From 1931 Vauxhall Motors recommended Duple for the WLB bus chassis, and future Bedford products were often given Duple bodies. Duple acquired some Midlands companies in the 1950s inluding Willowbrook in 1958 and H.V. Burlingham (Blackpool) in 1960 where most Duple production was transferred from Hendon. Willowbrook was sold off in 1971 taking Duple out of bus production until it own 'Dominant' range was launched in 1975. In 1983 Duple was rnamed Hestair Duple after it had been acquired by the Hestair Group who also owned Dennis. Decline continued and in 1989 Duple closed and Plaxton acquired some rights.