Cowans
of Springfield Lane, Salford
1898 Company established - see Edward Woodrowe Cowan
The company became one of the leaders in the field of A.C. electrical engineering, specifically A.C. switchgear and inductance regulators.
1908 'FIRE. ELECTRICAL WORKS BURNED OUT. A serious fire broke out in Salford yesterday, entirely wrecking the works of Messrs. Cowan Limited, electrical engineers, Springfield-lane. The outbreak was discovered during the morning, and within a few minutes the Salford Fire Brigade was at work in force. But the roof of the building had already fallen in when the brigade arrived, and the floors fell one after another, despite the immense amount of water which was being poured on the flames. It was presently discovered that a couple of two-inch gas mains were turning gas into the fire all the time, and when these had been stopped the firemen's efforts became more marked effect. The electrical works were too far burned make much value anything that could be done, but the brigade were successful in doing a good deal for the premises adjoining each side, occupied Messrs. B. Kershaw and Co., bag makers, and Messrs. Lovell. sweet manufacturers. ....'[1]
1911 Became part of a new company Switchgear and Cowans created to effect a merger with the Switchgear Co Ltd[2]
1912 Switchgear