Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

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Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 167,710 pages of information and 247,104 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 147,919 pages of information and 233,587 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

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'''Renold''' transmission - the history.
[[image:Im189904CTC-Renold.jpg|thumb| April 1899. ]]
[[image:Im1899TETv2-pm035.jpg |thumb| 1899. 1 1/2 Inch Pitch "Renold" Chain. ]]


'''Hans Renold''' was born in Aarau, Switzerland in July 1852 and died in May 1943. He came to England in 1873.
[[image:Im19040323Cyc-Hans.jpg|thumb| March 1904. ]]
[[image:Im040630CTR-Renold.jpg|thumb| June 1904. ]]
[[Image:Im1905AH-HansR.jpg|thumb| 1905. ]]
[[Image:Im19050817CT-Ren.jpg|thumb| August 1905. ]]
[[image:Im080704Omnia-Renold.jpg|thumb| April 1908. Advert in French magazine. ]]


* 1864 The Chain Making Company James Slater (later to become '''Hans Renold Co.''') introduced the roller into chain. Prior to this time transmission chain consisted of only pins and plates.  
[[Image:Im19100723Auto-Renold.jpg|thumb| July 1910. ]]
[[Image:Im191012AE-Hans.jpg|thumb| December 1910. ]]
[[image:Imk111202LVA-Renold.jpg|thumb| December 1911. Advert in French magazine. ]]
[[image:Im19121113ICE-Renold.jpg|thumb| November 1912. ]]
[[Image:Im19130206Cyc-Renold.jpg|thumb| February 1913. ]]
[[Image:Im19130530CT-Ren.jpg|thumb| May 1913. ]]
[[Image:Im19141216BN-Renold.jpg|thumb| December 1914. ]]
[[Image:Im1917WoolYB-Renold.jpg|thumb| 1917. ]]
[[image:Im1918MWYB-Renold.jpg|thumb| 1918. ]]
[[Image:1918EHansRenoldLLdt.jpg|thumb| 1918.]]
[[Image:Im19191211MC-Renold.jpg|thumb|December 1919]]


* 1873 At the age of 21 '''Hans Renold''', son of a burgher family in Aarau, Switzerland, came to England and found work in Manchester with a firm of machinery exporters.  
[[image:Im192001AE-Renold.jpg|thumb| January 1920. ]]
[[image:Im19200110AC-Ren.jpg|thumb| January 1920.]]
[[Image:Im1921EnV131-p168ba.jpg|thumb| 1921. ]]
[[image:Im1921EnV131-p500aaa.jpg|thumb| 1921.]]
[[Image:Im19210516MTR-Renold.jpg|thumb| May 1921. ]]
[[Image:Im19230823MC-Renold.jpg|thumb|August 1923]]
[[image:Im192308CTC-Renold.jpg|thumb| August 1923. ]]
‎‎[[Image:Im19240525MCing-Renold.jpg|thumb|June 1924. ]]
‎‎[[Image:‎Im19240625MCing-Renold.jpg|thumb|June 1924. ]]
[[image:Im19250306MCT-Ren.jpg|thumb| March 1925. ]]
[[Image:Im1926EYB-Hans.jpg|thumb| 1926. ]]
[[image:Im19260813Auto-Renolds.jpg|thumb| August 1926. ]]
[[Image:Im19261111AE-Renold.jpg|thumb| November 1926. ]]
[[Image:Im19270817BNAMR-HansRenold.jpg ‎|thumb| Aug 1927. ]]
‎‎[[Image:Im19270914BNAMR-Renolds.jpg ‎|thumb| Sept 1927. ]]
[[Image:Im19271102BNAMR-HansRenold.jpg ‎|thumb| Nov 1927. ]]
[[Image:Im19291205MC-Renold.jpg|thumb| December 1929. ]]


* His independent and inventive spirit soon found expression in the purchase, in 1879, of a small textile-chain making business in Salford. In 1880 he invented bush roller chain and an industry was born. Thus began the enterprise of which The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was to say in a memoir: "Few realise how extensive is the influence of Renold's inventiveness on both civil and industrial life throughout the world."
[[Image:Im19300619MCy-Hans.jpg|thumb| June 1930.]]
[[Image:Im19300619MCy-Reyn.jpg|thumb| June 1930.]]


* '''Hans Renold''''s vision was not restricted to the prospects in UK industry and over the following years he began the international expansion of his company.
[[Image:Im19310102Cy-Han.jpg|thumb| January 1931.]]
‎‎[[Image:Im19310116Cy-Han.jpg|thumb| January 1931.]]
[[Image:Im19310130Cy-Han.jpg|thumb| January 1931.]]
[[Image:Im19310213Cy-Han.jpg ‎|thumb| February 1931. ]]
[[image:Im19310227Cy-Han.jpg|thumb| February 1931.]]
[[Image:Im1932-Hans-Renold.jpg|thumb| 1932. Letter. ]]


* 1879 The '''Hans Renold Co.''' was established following the purchase of the '''James Slater''' business. This makes '''Renold''' the oldest established transmission chain company in the world, which still existed in 2005.  
of Progress Works, Brook Street, Manchester. (1914)


* 1880 Introduced the patented feature of the solid bush. This was the origin of the bush roller chain, the design of which is still used today throughout the world.
Chronology of this group:
* [[Hans Renold Ltd]], up to 1930
* [[Renold and Coventry Chain Co]] from 1930 to 1954
* [[Renold Chains]] from 1954 to 1967
* [[Renold]] Ltd from 1967


* 1885 A patent for the block chain was applied for by '''Hans Renold''' but he decided to openly give his idea to the cycle trade for all to freely manufacture. Undoubtedly he gained many friends by this charitable action.  
1879 Company founded by [[Hans Renold]]. He purchased [[James Slater (Co)|James Slater's business]], a small textile-chain making business in Salford. In December he supplied a chain to [[James Starley]].


* '''Brampton Brothers Co.''', who later became part of the '''Coventry Chain Company''' (and ultimately '''Renold Chains Ltd.'''), experimented with self-lubricating [[bicycles|bicycle]] chain.  
1881 Mr. Hans Renold, patent chain maker, mentioned as having three rooms (one with power) at Medlock Sawmills, Chorlton-on-Medlock, and a tenancy of two more years.<ref>Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 29 October 1881</ref>


* 1888 '''Hans Renold Co.''' were riveting the bearing pins in the assembled chain.
1881 He moved from Salford to Brook Street, Manchester, where a new factory, Progress Works, was subsequently built.  


* 1889 The company designed and manufactured a purpose built plate hole-punching machine.
1884 Advertising for a Light Tool Fitter and an Improver. Address is Hans Renold, Green Lane, Brook street.<ref>Manchester Evening News - Friday 15 August 1884</ref>


* Designed and manufactured a machine for the Dry Tumbling (Jingling) of chain components.  
1885 A patent for the block chain was applied for by Hans Renold but he decided to openly give his idea to the cycle trade for all to freely manufacture.  


* 1893 '''Hans Renold Co.''' were using hardened components.  
1888 The Hans Renold company were riveting the bearing pins in the assembled chain.


* 1895  Designed and manufactured a machine for producing the Rotary Rivet on the ends of the chain bearing pins. The need for an Inverted tooth (silent chain) was apparent to '''Hans Renold''' and this resulted in his patent of 1895. Although his design of chain was superseded in later years by the silent chain with rocker joints, he made an impact in the introduction of such a chain. Designed and manufactured a machine for the Wet Tumbling (Jingling) of chain components
1889 The company designed and manufactured a purpose built plate hole-punching machine.  


* 1896 '''Hans Renold Co.''' designed and manufactured a machine for the proof loading of their chain.  
Designed and manufactured a machine for the Dry Tumbling (Jingling) of chain components.  


* Introduced the 48-hour week when the general practice in engineering was 52 or more.  
1892 'The business carried on by this able and experienced mechanician was founded in quite a small way at Salford, in 1869, by a Mr. Slater. Ten years later Mr. Hans Renold became sole proprietor of the concern, and under his energetic management the business speedily began to develop at such a rate that it had to be transferred to its present address. Some idea of the manner in which this concern has advanced may be gathered from the fact that Mr. Renold now gives employment to no fewer than one hundred and fifty hands, while he has upwards of one hundred and thirty machines at work in his establishment producing his special improved chains for bicycles and tricycles, and also other kinds of steel driving chains for cotton machinery, elevators, cranes, electric traction, and other purposes. The premises, moreover, are being considerably enlarged, and when completed they will have a frontage of ninety-nine feet, and a depth of one hundred and twenty feet from front to rear, the block, containing six spacious floors, all fully equipped with steam-power machinery for the purposes of this notable industry. Another large building at the rear comprises the smithy and forge on the ground floor, with counting-house, offices, and stock-rooms on the next flat, and extra stock-rooms on the top floor. ....'<ref>[http://messybeast.com/1892-lancashire/1892-lancashire.htm] THE CENTURY'S PROGRESS - LANCASHIRE. The London Printing and Engraving Co., 1892. Hosted by MESSYBEAST.COM</ref>


* 1899 '''Hans Renold Co.''' introduced their patented feature of the end recess in the bearing pin. '''Brampton Brothers Ltd.''' patented the integral bush/inner plate chain upon which so many cycle chains have been based. Introduced a Works Canteen. Introduced the round-ended necked (i.e. shouldered) bearing pin in their 1899 patent.  
1893 Hans Renold company were using hardened components.  


* 1900 '''Hans Renold Co.''' designed and manufactured a Coning Machine.
1895  Designed and manufactured a machine for producing the Rotary Rivet on the ends of the chain bearing pins. The need for an Inverted tooth (silent chain) was apparent to Hans Renold and this resulted in his patent of 1895. Although his design of chain was superseded in later years by the silent chain with rocker joints, he made an impact in the introduction of such a chain. Designed and manufactured a machine for the Wet Tumbling (Jingling) of chain components


* In the early 1900's '''Hans Renold Co.''' introduced an apprenticeship scheme.  
1896 Hans Renold company designed and manufactured a machine for the proof loading of their chain.  


* 1903 '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' formed.  
Introduced the 48-hour week when the general practice in engineering was 52 or more.  


* 1905 '''Renold''' introduced percussion testing on chain components.  
1899 The Hans Renold company introduced their patented feature of the end recess in the bearing pin. Introduced the round-ended necked (i.e. shouldered) bearing pin in their 1899 patent. 


* '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' designed and manufactured a Semi-Automatic Drifting Machine for use on assembled inner links.  
1899 Introduced a Works Canteen.  


* 1906 '''Renold''' began supplying mortise block chains (and associated equipment) which were a notable part of the business for about 60 years. During the construction of a new factory, rather than use belt drives from overhead lineshafts '''Renold''' designed, and installed, overhead chain drives. Began designing and manufacturing special - purpose machines for the assembly of chains. Began the manufacture of chain wheels. Developed a machine for centreless grinding of bearing pins. This was long before centreless grinders became the factor in machine shop practice that they are now.  '''The Coventry Chain Company Ltd.''' (who later became part of the '''Renold''' group) patented the helical (spiral) roller formed by wire strip.
1899 Sought the winding up of the [[Ribblesdale Cycle Co]].<ref>[http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27051/pages/876] Gazette Issue 27051 published on the 10 February 1899. Page 12 of 64</ref>


* 1907 The company developed a new tooth form for roller chain wheels.  
1900 The Hans Renold company designed and manufactured a Coning Machine.  


* 1909 The firm introduced Torsion Testing on chain components.  Began supplying transmission chain for [[Aircraft]]. Founded the '''Hans Renold Social Union'''.  
In the early 1900s the Hans Renold company introduced an apprenticeship scheme.  


* 1910 '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' designed and manufactured a Tumbler (Jingler) for the blueing of chain plates. The blue plates being a feature of the '''Hans Renold''' chain for many years.  
1903 The company took limited liability status.


* 1911 Issued catalogue. Renold Bush Roller Chains
1905 Renolds introduced percussion testing on chain components.  


* 1912 The company began the process of end softening of bearing pins and only now are many of '''Renold''' Competitors beginning to incorporate this feature. Supplied the chain for The Great Clock at the Palace of Westminster known more affectionately as ''Big Ben'' (which was, incidentally, built in 1856).  
Hans Renold Ltd designed and manufactured a Semi-Automatic Drifting Machine for use on assembled inner links.  


* 1913  '''Hans Renold''' gave the world his improved sprocket tooth profile which, with slight modification, was adopted by the United States as their Standard profile.  Designed and manufactured a ''Fatigue Test Machine'' for the evaluation of chain fatigue strength.  
1906 Renolds began supplying mortise block chains (and associated equipment) which were a notable part of the business for about 60 years. During the construction of a new factory, rather than use belt drives from overhead line-shafts '''Renold''' designed, and installed, overhead chain drives.  Began designing and manufacturing special - purpose machines for the assembly of chains.  Began the manufacture of chain wheels. Developed a machine for centreless grinding of bearing pins. This was long before centreless grinders became the factor in machine shop practice that they are now. 


* 1914 Designed and patented their flexible chain coupling. A product that is still used today, worldwide.  
1907 The company developed a new tooth form for roller chain wheels.  


* 1915 (approx.) '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' were manufacturing high waisted chain plates and were also manufacturing chains with straight sided plates.  Designed and manufactured Running-in machine for their chain. Introduced ''Stock Drives'', something of which is taken for granted today.  
1909 The firm introduced Torsion Testing on chain components.  Began supplying transmission chain for aircraft.


* 1916 Started supplying chain with Case Hardened pins.  Patented the segmental bush design of inverted tooth (silent) chain. The '''Coventry Chain Company Ltd.''' developed and manufactured track chains for use on tank vehicles.  
1910 Hans Renold Ltd designed and manufactured a Tumbler (Jingler) for the blueing of chain plates. The blue plates being a feature of the Hans Renold chain for many years.  


* 1917 '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' were still leading the world by having coned (i.e. tapered) bush bores.  
1910 The company has two works with 320,640 square feet of floor space and employs more than 700 persons.<ref>1910 Catalogue preface</ref>


* 1918 Manufactured extra strong chains for use on [[motorcycles|motor cycles]].
1911 Issued catalogue. Renold Bush Roller Chains. <ref>[[The Engineer 1911/07/21]] p85 and p319</ref>


* 1920's Early in the decade, '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' supplied bush roller chains for the first marine Diesel engines. Also designed and manufactured a series of chain test machines:
1912 The company began the process of end softening of bearing pins and only now are many of Renold's competitors beginning to incorporate this feature. Supplied the chain for ''Big Ben''.  


* 1921 Noise Testing.  
1913  Hans Renold launched his improved sprocket tooth profile which, with slight modification, was adopted by the United States as their Standard profile.  Designed and manufactured a ''Fatigue Test Machine'' for the evaluation of chain fatigue strength.  


* 1922 Chain Pairing. Designed and manufactured a ''Bush Curling Machine''.
1914 Designed and patented their flexible chain coupling. A product that is still used today, worldwide.  


* 1923 Chain Out Of Alignment Testing. Chain Wobble Testing. High Speed Testing. Impact Testing.  
1914 Driving Chain Manufacturer. Specialities: driving chains and wheels for power transmission, general engineering purposes, motor cars, motor vehicles, motor cycles, bicycles etc. Employees 1200. <ref>[[1914 Whitakers Red Book]]</ref>


* 1925 The first acquisition of a major competitor came, when '''Brampton Brothers Limited''', with its French manufacturing subsidiary at Calais, was purchased and the operation merged with the manufacturing facility previously established in Coventry.
c1915 Hans Renold Ltd were manufacturing high waisted chain plates and were also manufacturing chains with straight sided plates.  Designed and manufactured Running-in machine for their chain. Introduced ''Stock Drives'', something of which is taken for granted today.  


* 1927 To improve bush inner/plate security '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' patented the 'keyed' bush. This feature is still used today.  
By 1915 the company had completed the construction of, and transferred to the Renold Works in Burnage, Manchester. The first of many branch sales offices were opened in London and Glasgow, in 1910 and 1912, respectively.  


* '''Hans Renold Ltd.''' were approved under the A.I.D. regulations to issue Inspection Certificates and were likewise an approved A.R.B inspection authority.  
1916 Started supplying chain with Case Hardened pins. Patented the segmental bush design of inverted tooth (silent) chain.


* 1930 Merger created '''Renold and Coventry Chain Co. Ltd.'''
1917 Advert for chain (Hans Renold of Didsbury, Manchester). <ref>Mechanical World Year Book 1917. Published by Emmott and Co of Manchester. Advert p110</ref>


* 1932 Chain supplied had chamfered plates some being doubled chamfered (i.e. both sides).  Patented the early design of bi-planar chain, (The patent being applied for in 1928).  
1917 Hans Renold were market leaders by having coned (i.e. tapered) bush bores.  


* 1933 Supplied chain with a notched bush.  
1918 Manufactured extra strong chains for use on motorcycles.


* 1945 The '''Whitney Chain & Mfg. Co.''' (who later became part of the '''Renold''' group) obtained the patent for the tin-printer chain which is still used today throughout the world.  
1919 Advert for Transmission chains (Hans Renold of Didsbury, Manchester). <ref>Mechanical World Year Book 1919. Published by Emmott and Co of Manchester. Advert p150</ref>


* Perry Chain Co. Ltd. formed.  
1920 A selling subsidiary was established in Canada in 1920, and a less successful sales organisation in America, in 1921. The same period saw the formation of Renold Chains Ltd., to handle export sales other than those to Canada and the U.S.A. (mainly with French and Belgian markets in mind).  


* 1947 '''Renold''' established its first green-field manufacturing operation overseas in Melbourne, Australia, and this was followed by the establishment of other owned sales and sometimes manufacturing operations in Austria, Denmark, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland.
1920s Early in the decade, Hans Renold supplied bush roller chains for the first marine Diesel engines.  Also designed and manufactured a series of chain test machines:


* 1950 '''Renold and Coventry Chain Co. Ltd''' chain plates had reamed holes.  
1921 Noise Testing.  


* 1954 Company becomes '''Renold Chains Ltd.''' and introduced their improved design of bi-planar chain with their patent.  
1922 Chain Pairing. Designed and manufactured a ''Bush Curling Machine''.


* 1956 '''Renold''' acquired Anchor Chain, Oldham, with the introduction of nuclear power at Calder Hall, '''Renold Chains Ltd.''' entered the Nuclear Age with the supply of control rod lifting chains.  
1923 Chain Out Of Alignment Testing. Chain Wobble Testing. High Speed Testing. Impact Testing.  


* 1959 '''Renold Chains Ltd.''' were innovators in the chain industry of progressive die tooling (i.e. follow-on tooling) in the manufacture of chain plates. Chain plates for pitches between 1.0" and 1.5" were being produced by this method. Smaller pitch chain plates had begun being produced by this process many years earlier.  
1925 The first acquisition of a major competitor came, when [[Brampton Brothers]] with its French manufacturing subsidiary at Calais, was purchased and the operation merged with the manufacturing facility previously established in Coventry.


* 1963 '''Renold''' acquired '''Arnold and Stolzenberg GmbH''' of Einbeck, one of the largest and oldest-established chain manufacturers in Germany.
1927 To improve bush inner/plate security Hans Renold patented the 'keyed' bush. This feature is still used today.  


* 1964 A significant strategic development of the '''Renold Group''' was the acquisition of '''John Holroyd and Co Ltd ''', in 1964, and this marked the start of the transition from purely chain manufacture to manufacture and supply of a complete range of power transmission products and precision machine tools. Further acquisitions brought more gearing, couplings, clutches, brakes, variable speed drives and various hydraulic products into the Group.
1927 Stand No.180 at the[[1927 Motor Cycle and Cycle Show at Olympia]]


* 1996 '''Renold''' aquires the '''Holset''' couplings business in Halifax, and renames the company '''Renold Hi-Tec Couplings'''.
1928 The German sales subsidiary, Renold Industrie Ketten GmbH, was formed.


* 1967 Company now called '''Renold Ltd.'''
1928 [[Charles G. Renold]] became chairman


* In the late 1960's, '''Renold''' commences press extrusion of bushes and rollers for transmission chain. '''Renold''' develops a range of Non Lub chains with sintered bushes.  
Hans Renold were approved under the A.I.D. regulations to issue Inspection Certificates and were likewise an approved A.R.B inspection authority.  


* 1970 '''Renold''' begins the cold extrusion of rollers for transmission chain using multi-station extruders.  
1930 Merger with [[Coventry Chain Co]] created [[Renold and Coventry Chain Co]]. The new company had works in Manchester, Coventry and Birmingham, together with the former Brampton works at Calais. Chain production in the UK works was concentrated in Manchester and Coventry, and free wheel manufacture at Coventry was given up.  


* 1975 The company introduces GP Motor Cycle Chains.  
1932 Formal winding up of Hans Renold Limited. [[Charles G. Renold]] is Chairman.<ref>[http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33885/pages/7455] Gazette Issue 33885 published on the 22 November 1932. Page 27 of 72</ref>


* 1977 '''Renold''' designs and manufactures a machine for hard ball drifting of plates.
== See Also ==
<what-links-here/>


* 1980s The firm supplies the chain for the famous Gastown Steam Clock in Vancouver, Canada. Begins the cold extrusion of bushes for transmission chain using multi-station extruders. '''Renold chain fitted to the Thames Barrier lifting application'''.
== Sources of Information ==
 
<references/>
* 1987 '''Renold''' becomes the first chain Company to obtain BS:5750 (later becoming ISO:9002).  
* [http://www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries/arls/busarc/list2.htm] Manchester Archives. 1618-circa 1982: mainly 19th and 20th century (approximately 85 shelves)
 
* [http://www.renold.com/Company/CompanyInformation/History.asp] History of Renolds web page
* '''Renold''' introduces the staked bush.  
 
* 1989 Introduces the coning feature in their bush cold extrusion process.  
 
* 1996 Introduces the ''Smartlink'' data logging concept for chain.
 
* 1998 In December, '''Renold''' acquired '''Jones & Shipman plc''' in the UK, and with it a range of precision production and tool room grinding machine tools, "superabrasive" machine tools from '''Edgetek''' in the USA and electronic control systems from '''Goodwin''' in the UK.
 
* '''Renold''' manufactures the replacement replica chain for Big Ben.
 
* '''Renold''' begins the cold extrusion of large pitch bushes and rollers.
 
* '''Renold launches ''Syno'' low-maintenance chain.
 
* 2000 In March, the company acquired '''Jeffrey Chain''' a leading manufacturer of industrial chain in the USA. Jeffrey Chain has strong US brands and established relationships with major US distributors, of power transmission equipment, and original equipment manufacturers.


* 2001 Chain factories obtained ISO:14001.


* '''Renold''' patents the chain wear monitoring device.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Renold, H }}
 
[[Category: Town - Manchester]]
* 2003 '''Renold''' ''Synergy'' range relaunched with new and improved features.
[[Category:Cycle Components]]
 
[[Category: Automotive Components]]
* 2004 Range of polymer bush transmission chains launched as part of '''Renold''' ''Syno'' maintenance free chain.
[[Category: Chains]]
 
* 2005 ''Smartlink'' fitted to the Thames Barrier lifting application.
 
 
Today, '''Renold''' employs around 2000 people in more than 23 countries around the world.
 
 
==Sources of Information==
* [http://www.renold.com/Company/CompanyInformation/History.asp] History of Renolds web page
* [http://www.renold.com/Company/CompanyInformation/History_of_Renold_continued.asp] History of Renold Continued web page
* [[The Engineer]] of 21st July 1911 p85 & p319

Latest revision as of 14:27, 29 July 2022

April 1899.
1899. 1 1/2 Inch Pitch "Renold" Chain.
March 1904.
June 1904.
1905.
August 1905.
April 1908. Advert in French magazine.
July 1910.
December 1910.
December 1911. Advert in French magazine.
November 1912.
February 1913.
May 1913.
December 1914.
1917.
1918.
1918.
December 1919
January 1920.
January 1920.
1921.
1921.
May 1921.
August 1923
August 1923.

‎‎

June 1924.

‎‎

June 1924.
March 1925.
1926.
August 1926.
November 1926.
Aug 1927.

‎‎

Sept 1927.
Nov 1927.
December 1929.
June 1930.
June 1930.
January 1931.

‎‎

January 1931.
January 1931.
February 1931.
February 1931.
1932. Letter.

of Progress Works, Brook Street, Manchester. (1914)

Chronology of this group:

1879 Company founded by Hans Renold. He purchased James Slater's business, a small textile-chain making business in Salford. In December he supplied a chain to James Starley.

1881 Mr. Hans Renold, patent chain maker, mentioned as having three rooms (one with power) at Medlock Sawmills, Chorlton-on-Medlock, and a tenancy of two more years.[1]

1881 He moved from Salford to Brook Street, Manchester, where a new factory, Progress Works, was subsequently built.

1884 Advertising for a Light Tool Fitter and an Improver. Address is Hans Renold, Green Lane, Brook street.[2]

1885 A patent for the block chain was applied for by Hans Renold but he decided to openly give his idea to the cycle trade for all to freely manufacture.

1888 The Hans Renold company were riveting the bearing pins in the assembled chain.

1889 The company designed and manufactured a purpose built plate hole-punching machine.

Designed and manufactured a machine for the Dry Tumbling (Jingling) of chain components.

1892 'The business carried on by this able and experienced mechanician was founded in quite a small way at Salford, in 1869, by a Mr. Slater. Ten years later Mr. Hans Renold became sole proprietor of the concern, and under his energetic management the business speedily began to develop at such a rate that it had to be transferred to its present address. Some idea of the manner in which this concern has advanced may be gathered from the fact that Mr. Renold now gives employment to no fewer than one hundred and fifty hands, while he has upwards of one hundred and thirty machines at work in his establishment producing his special improved chains for bicycles and tricycles, and also other kinds of steel driving chains for cotton machinery, elevators, cranes, electric traction, and other purposes. The premises, moreover, are being considerably enlarged, and when completed they will have a frontage of ninety-nine feet, and a depth of one hundred and twenty feet from front to rear, the block, containing six spacious floors, all fully equipped with steam-power machinery for the purposes of this notable industry. Another large building at the rear comprises the smithy and forge on the ground floor, with counting-house, offices, and stock-rooms on the next flat, and extra stock-rooms on the top floor. ....'[3]

1893 Hans Renold company were using hardened components.

1895 Designed and manufactured a machine for producing the Rotary Rivet on the ends of the chain bearing pins. The need for an Inverted tooth (silent chain) was apparent to Hans Renold and this resulted in his patent of 1895. Although his design of chain was superseded in later years by the silent chain with rocker joints, he made an impact in the introduction of such a chain. Designed and manufactured a machine for the Wet Tumbling (Jingling) of chain components

1896 Hans Renold company designed and manufactured a machine for the proof loading of their chain.

Introduced the 48-hour week when the general practice in engineering was 52 or more.

1899 The Hans Renold company introduced their patented feature of the end recess in the bearing pin. Introduced the round-ended necked (i.e. shouldered) bearing pin in their 1899 patent.

1899 Introduced a Works Canteen.

1899 Sought the winding up of the Ribblesdale Cycle Co.[4]

1900 The Hans Renold company designed and manufactured a Coning Machine.

In the early 1900s the Hans Renold company introduced an apprenticeship scheme.

1903 The company took limited liability status.

1905 Renolds introduced percussion testing on chain components.

Hans Renold Ltd designed and manufactured a Semi-Automatic Drifting Machine for use on assembled inner links.

1906 Renolds began supplying mortise block chains (and associated equipment) which were a notable part of the business for about 60 years. During the construction of a new factory, rather than use belt drives from overhead line-shafts Renold designed, and installed, overhead chain drives. Began designing and manufacturing special - purpose machines for the assembly of chains. Began the manufacture of chain wheels. Developed a machine for centreless grinding of bearing pins. This was long before centreless grinders became the factor in machine shop practice that they are now.

1907 The company developed a new tooth form for roller chain wheels.

1909 The firm introduced Torsion Testing on chain components. Began supplying transmission chain for aircraft.

1910 Hans Renold Ltd designed and manufactured a Tumbler (Jingler) for the blueing of chain plates. The blue plates being a feature of the Hans Renold chain for many years.

1910 The company has two works with 320,640 square feet of floor space and employs more than 700 persons.[5]

1911 Issued catalogue. Renold Bush Roller Chains. [6]

1912 The company began the process of end softening of bearing pins and only now are many of Renold's competitors beginning to incorporate this feature. Supplied the chain for Big Ben.

1913 Hans Renold launched his improved sprocket tooth profile which, with slight modification, was adopted by the United States as their Standard profile. Designed and manufactured a Fatigue Test Machine for the evaluation of chain fatigue strength.

1914 Designed and patented their flexible chain coupling. A product that is still used today, worldwide.

1914 Driving Chain Manufacturer. Specialities: driving chains and wheels for power transmission, general engineering purposes, motor cars, motor vehicles, motor cycles, bicycles etc. Employees 1200. [7]

c1915 Hans Renold Ltd were manufacturing high waisted chain plates and were also manufacturing chains with straight sided plates. Designed and manufactured Running-in machine for their chain. Introduced Stock Drives, something of which is taken for granted today.

By 1915 the company had completed the construction of, and transferred to the Renold Works in Burnage, Manchester. The first of many branch sales offices were opened in London and Glasgow, in 1910 and 1912, respectively.

1916 Started supplying chain with Case Hardened pins. Patented the segmental bush design of inverted tooth (silent) chain.

1917 Advert for chain (Hans Renold of Didsbury, Manchester). [8]

1917 Hans Renold were market leaders by having coned (i.e. tapered) bush bores.

1918 Manufactured extra strong chains for use on motorcycles.

1919 Advert for Transmission chains (Hans Renold of Didsbury, Manchester). [9]

1920 A selling subsidiary was established in Canada in 1920, and a less successful sales organisation in America, in 1921. The same period saw the formation of Renold Chains Ltd., to handle export sales other than those to Canada and the U.S.A. (mainly with French and Belgian markets in mind).

1920s Early in the decade, Hans Renold supplied bush roller chains for the first marine Diesel engines. Also designed and manufactured a series of chain test machines:

1921 Noise Testing.

1922 Chain Pairing. Designed and manufactured a Bush Curling Machine.

1923 Chain Out Of Alignment Testing. Chain Wobble Testing. High Speed Testing. Impact Testing.

1925 The first acquisition of a major competitor came, when Brampton Brothers with its French manufacturing subsidiary at Calais, was purchased and the operation merged with the manufacturing facility previously established in Coventry.

1927 To improve bush inner/plate security Hans Renold patented the 'keyed' bush. This feature is still used today.

1927 Stand No.180 at the1927 Motor Cycle and Cycle Show at Olympia

1928 The German sales subsidiary, Renold Industrie Ketten GmbH, was formed.

1928 Charles G. Renold became chairman

Hans Renold were approved under the A.I.D. regulations to issue Inspection Certificates and were likewise an approved A.R.B inspection authority.

1930 Merger with Coventry Chain Co created Renold and Coventry Chain Co. The new company had works in Manchester, Coventry and Birmingham, together with the former Brampton works at Calais. Chain production in the UK works was concentrated in Manchester and Coventry, and free wheel manufacture at Coventry was given up.

1932 Formal winding up of Hans Renold Limited. Charles G. Renold is Chairman.[10]

See Also

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Sources of Information

  1. ↑ Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 29 October 1881
  2. ↑ Manchester Evening News - Friday 15 August 1884
  3. ↑ [1] THE CENTURY'S PROGRESS - LANCASHIRE. The London Printing and Engraving Co., 1892. Hosted by MESSYBEAST.COM
  4. ↑ [2] Gazette Issue 27051 published on the 10 February 1899. Page 12 of 64
  5. ↑ 1910 Catalogue preface
  6. ↑ The Engineer 1911/07/21 p85 and p319
  7. ↑ 1914 Whitakers Red Book
  8. ↑ Mechanical World Year Book 1917. Published by Emmott and Co of Manchester. Advert p110
  9. ↑ Mechanical World Year Book 1919. Published by Emmott and Co of Manchester. Advert p150
  10. ↑ [3] Gazette Issue 33885 published on the 22 November 1932. Page 27 of 72
  • [4] Manchester Archives. 1618-circa 1982: mainly 19th and 20th century (approximately 85 shelves)
  • [5] History of Renolds web page
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