Willans & Robinson

They soon went into the English Electric grouping but Willans & Robinson retained its identity and some independent shareholders until 1935 when it was liquidated.

The business was founded by Peter William Willans (1851-1892) and Mark Robinson (1844-1923) in the 1870s at their Ferry Works site to manufacture high speed reciprocating steam engines for launches.

[1] In this period of prosperity Willans was able to improve his designs and develop better manufacturing techniques, particularly the use of standardised interchangeable components.

Willans & Robinson moved their operation to Rugby in 1896 but Ferry Works at Ditton remained in use until 1980 by AC Cars.

[1] A new building in Pentre, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2DA was built in 1899 for the manufacture of water tube boilers and special steels.

CV21 2NH, Willans & Robinson began the switch to steam turbines to match the efficiency of their competition's double-acting designs.

[1] English Electric's success with diesel-electric traction sprang from the pioneering work carried out at Willans & Robinson, Rugby, from 1904.

[12] In March 1909 it was announced Willans & Robinson would be manufacturing water turbines, both Pelton and low-pressure wheels.