In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co.

In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines.

The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins' determined efforts to broaden the renown of the Avery brand and transform the business into a specialist manufacturer of weighing machines.

At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs, some of many which landed on the town of Smethwick.

[5][6] Avery Berkel is a brand and major manufacturer of commercial weighing machines owned by Illinois Tool Works.