Crompton Parkinson Business Overview and Operations

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Crompton Parkinson was a well-established company with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The company was founded in 1862 in the UK.

Crompton Parkinson's products were known for their high quality and reliability, making them a trusted brand in the industry. They offered a wide range of electrical products, including motors, generators, and switchgear.

The company's operations were centered in the UK, with a large factory in Staffordshire that produced many of their products. This factory was a major employer in the local area and played a significant role in the local economy.

Business Operations

Crompton Parkinson has a long history of innovation in the field of business operations. The company was founded in 1872 and has since become a leading manufacturer of electric motors, gearboxes, and other industrial equipment.

Their business operations have been shaped by their commitment to quality and customer service. Crompton Parkinson has a global presence with operations in over 50 countries.

The company's focus on research and development has enabled them to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

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Products

Interior view of historic machinery in Essen Germany, showcasing industrial architecture.
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Crompton Parkinson was a company that made a wide range of electrical goods, including electric motors, electric generators, light bulbs, electric cables, and batteries.

Some of their products were used in British Railways diesel locomotives, specifically Classes 26, 33, 44, and 45, which had Crompton Parkinson electrical equipment.

They also produced an extensive range of electrical measuring instruments, including voltmeters, ammeters, and current transformers.

Crompton Parkinson made spark plugs during the early part of its history, a product that was later discontinued.

Works

The company had a significant presence in Guiseley near Leeds, where it built a large factory during the 1930s.

Most of its lamp and electric motor manufacturing took place at this site, making it a crucial part of its operations.

The lamp works at Guiseley closed its doors in 2002, marking the end of an era for the company.

The electric motor works adjacent to the lamp works followed suit, closing in 2004.

The entire Guiseley site was eventually demolished in 2006, bringing an end to the company's presence in the area.

Vidor Batteries and Acquisitions

Smoke from Factory Chimneys
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Vidor Batteries was acquired by Crompton Parkinson in 1968, after the collapse of Royston Industries.

The company was founded in 1934 by Thomas Noah Cole, who made his fortune from selling his previous company Lissen Ltd. to Ever Ready in 1928.

The Erith factory, where Vidor Batteries was initially located, was almost completely destroyed by a German incendiary raid in April 1941.

Vidor Batteries relocated production to a former jute mill in Dundee, Scotland, and also opened factories in South Shields and Brechin.

A Vidor slogan from the 1950s was "They do say a Vidor battery lasts a month longer!".

The Vidor brand was sold to Ray-O-Vac in 1989 and is no longer in use.

Business Activities

Crompton Parkinson was formed in 1927 through the merger of Crompton and Co and F. and A. Parkinson. Frank Parkinson became the chairman.

The company started making shares available for public ownership in 1928.

E. J. Fox, managing director of Stanton Ironworks Co, joined the board in 1930.

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Manufacturing subsidiaries were established in Bombay and Sydney in the early 1930s, with the company producing high-profile power engineering projects such as the electrification of the ice-plant at Fleetwood in 1932.

Here is a list of some of the company's manufacturing interests in 1932:

  • Cables
  • Transformers
  • Lamps
  • Tricity cookers

The company gained membership of the Electric Lamp Manufacturers Association in 1937.

In 1939, Crompton Parkinson began manufacturing .303 rifle ammunition at its Guiseley and Doncaster factories.

The company acquired Young Accumulator Co and its subsidiary Associated Electric Vehicle Manufacturers, Ltd. in 1941.

By 1946, Crompton Parkinson had established a leading position in battery-powered urban vehicles and its motors were used in trams, trolleybuses, and diesel-electric locomotives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of Brook Crompton?

Brook Crompton has its roots in two pioneering companies: Brook Motors, founded in 1904, and R.E.B. Crompton & Co, established in 1878. The two organizations merged in the 1970s to form the global company we know today.

Who owns Vidor batteries?

Vidor batteries are currently not in use, but they were previously owned by Ray-O-Vac after being sold from Crompton Parkinson in 1989.

Bertha Hoeger

Junior Writer

Bertha Hoeger is a versatile writer with a keen interest in financial institutions and community development. Her work primarily focuses on banking and microfinance sectors, providing insightful analyses of various Indian financial entities and organizations. She has covered a range of topics, from banks based in Maharashtra and those established in 2019 to private sector banks and microfinance companies.

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