Laycock died in 1916, and in 1917 the business passed into the hands of Charron, a French automobile manufacturer,[1] then later into receivership[2] from where it was bought by Sheffield engineer and shipbreaker Thos.
Two years later Laycock was bought from Ward by a group of investors[3] and put into the ownership of a new holding company, Birfield Limited, along with Hardy Spicer.
Both Laycock and Hardy Spicer made transmission or driveline components for the automotive industry.
After 25 years of importing goods from USA following annual visits[6] W S Laycock introduced for the first time in UK a method of steam heating carriages in a Great Northern train in 1893 following a few years of experience with a similar system in USA.
Dual clutches for tractors, garage equipment, railway air and vacuum brakes, control valves for fluids and gases were also manufactured.
Blinds made of hair fabric also screened carriage occupants from unwelcome sunshine and attention.
[13] Some of the most important customers were: Citroen, Daimler, Humber, Jowett, Morris, Riley, Rolls-Royce, Standard, Vauxhall and in commercial vehicles: AEC, Commer, Dennis, Guy Motors, Karrier, Leyland, Metro-Cammell and Morris Commercial.