Difference between revisions of "Powell Duffryn"
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1946 Unlike the main coal production business, several subsidiaries were concerned with fuel distribution, and so would not be nationalised - these were [[Stephenson Clarke and Associated Companies|Stephenson Clarke]] Ltd, [[Gueret, Llewellyn and Merrett]] Ltd, [[Cory Brothers and Co]] Ltd. [[Powell Duffryn]] and [[International Combustion]] Ltd jointly established [[Rhymney Engineering Co]] to take over an engineering works at Rhymney that Powell Duffryn had been operating during the war. The company would manufacture mining machinery, materials handling plant for collieries and power stations, and other specialised engineering products<ref>The Times, Aug 14, 1946</ref>. [[Delanium]] Ltd had developed a new method of making carbon. | 1946 Unlike the main coal production business, several subsidiaries were concerned with fuel distribution, and so would not be nationalised - these were [[Stephenson Clarke and Associated Companies|Stephenson Clarke]] Ltd, [[Gueret, Llewellyn and Merrett]] Ltd, [[Cory Brothers and Co]] Ltd. [[Powell Duffryn]] and [[International Combustion]] Ltd jointly established [[Rhymney Engineering Co]] to take over an engineering works at Rhymney that Powell Duffryn had been operating during the war. The company would manufacture mining machinery, materials handling plant for collieries and power stations, and other specialised engineering products<ref>The Times, Aug 14, 1946</ref>. [[Delanium]] Ltd had developed a new method of making carbon. | ||
1947 The [[National Coal Board]] took over all '''Powell Duffryn''''s interests but they indirectly retained a considerable influence on the management of the coal industry with many of their management retaining senior level posts with the N.C.B. particularly in the South Wales area. As a result, '''Powell Duffryn Co''' diversified and expanded in other directions | 1947 The [[National Coal Board]] took over all '''Powell Duffryn''''s coal mining interests but they indirectly retained a considerable influence on the management of the coal industry with many of their management retaining senior level posts with the N.C.B. particularly in the South Wales area. As a result, '''Powell Duffryn Co''' diversified and expanded in other directions, including formation of '''Powell Duffryn Technical Services''' Ltd, which would provide consultancy in fuel production, distribution and utilization worldwide, and [[Powell Duffryn Carbon Products]] Ltd, as well as acquiring a factory unit at Hayes, to commercialise the new carbon product developed by [[Delanium]]; the laboratories at Battersea were renamed '''Powell Duffryn Research Laboratories''' Ltd<ref>The Times, Jun 14, 1947</ref> <ref>The Times, Oct 23, 1947</ref> | ||
1948 In conjunction with [[William Cory and Son]] acquired John Kelly Ltd of Belfast, coal importers of Northern Ireland, and associated companies owned by the Kelly family<ref>The Times, Sep 10, 1948</ref> | 1948 In conjunction with [[William Cory and Son]] acquired '''John Kelly''' Ltd of Belfast, coal importers of Northern Ireland, and associated companies owned by the Kelly family<ref>The Times, Sep 10, 1948</ref> | ||
1950 [[Vacuum Oil Co]] acquired the oil storage, blending packing business at Coryton of [[Cory Brothers and Co]] in exchange for shares in Vacuum Oil Co which would be held by Cory's parent [[Powell Duffryn]]; together with further investments, this would give Powell Duffryn and Socony-Vacuum Oil Co Inc of USA equal ownership of the Vacuum Co. An oil refinery would be built at Coryton, primarily for the production of lubricating oils<ref>The Times, Mar 25, 1950</ref>. | 1950 [[Vacuum Oil Co]] acquired the oil storage, blending packing business at Coryton of [[Cory Brothers and Co]] in exchange for shares in '''Vacuum Oil Co''' which would be held by Cory's parent [[Powell Duffryn]]; together with further investments, this would give Powell Duffryn and Socony-Vacuum Oil Co Inc of USA equal ownership of the Vacuum Co. An oil refinery would be built at Coryton, primarily for the production of lubricating oils<ref>The Times, Mar 25, 1950</ref>. | ||
1953 The compensation for nationalisation of the coal interests was finally settled, at £15million<ref>The Times, Oct 22, 1953</ref> | 1953 The compensation for nationalisation of the coal interests was finally settled, at £15million<ref>The Times, Oct 22, 1953</ref> | ||
1954 The Coryton refinery had been delayed in completion and cost more than expected; [[Powell Duffryn]] sold its half share in [[Vacuum Oil Co]] to Socony-Vacuum<ref>The Times, Oct 21, 1954</ref> | 1954 The Coryton refinery had been delayed in completion and cost more than expected; [[Powell Duffryn]] sold its half share in [[Vacuum Oil Co]] to [[Mobil|Socony-Vacuum]]<ref>The Times, Oct 21, 1954</ref> | ||
1960 Formed a business in the manufacturing and sale of heating equipment, based on | 1960 Formed a business in the manufacturing and sale of heating equipment, based on [[Janitor Boilers]] Ltd, of which the remaining shares were acquired; extended the Janitor range of oil and anthracite boilers to smaller boilers for 3-4 bedroom houses. Purchased the [[Hurseal]] company, makers of pressed steel radiators<ref>The Times, Sep 22, 1960</ref> | ||
1967 [[Powell Duffryn]] sold the ''Delanium'' process to [[Robert Jenkins and Co|Robert Jenkins]] of Rotherham as it was too specialised to be integrated with the company's other engineering businesses<ref>The Times, Jul 18, 1967</ref> | 1967 [[Powell Duffryn]] sold the ''Delanium'' process to [[Robert Jenkins and Co|Robert Jenkins]] of Rotherham as it was too specialised to be integrated with the company's other engineering businesses<ref>The Times, Jul 18, 1967</ref> | ||
Revision as of 11:08, 24 May 2013
of By-Products Department, Aberdare House, Cardiff, South Wales. Telephone: Cardiff 7900/1. Telegraphic Address: "Presotim, Cardiff". (1937)
1840 Thomas Powell sunk the first deep mine at Cwmbach, Aberdare.
1840-1863 He opened many further deep mines, both in Aberdare (Cwmdare, Abernant, Abergwawr, Middle Duffryn and Cwmpennar) and in the Rhymney Valley. At their peak these collieries produced over 400,000 tons of coal each per annum.
1863 Thomas Powell instructed T. E. Forster, William Armstrong and George Elliot (Later to become Sir George) to put a valuation on all his collieries.
1864 As a result, George Elliot formed the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Co Limited (PDSC) for the purpose of working the whole of Thomas Powell's collieries. At this time the wealth of the South Wales Coalfield was only just being realised.
1867 The PDSC bought the Aberaman Estate from the iron master Crawshay Bailey. The acquisition of the Aberaman Estate was an important purchase, as underneath lay some of the best steam coal in the world and all within easy access to the ports. Aberaman became the headquarters of the company.
1914 The market in France was so large that they registered as Compagnie Francaise des Mines Powell Duffryn, with their main offices at Rouen.
1916 An able businessman, E. M. Hann (who had started his career in the company in 1879) was made director of the PDSC and enabled the company to become the greatest coal-producing company in the world.
1935 Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries was registered with the amalgamation of the PDSC and Welsh Associated Collieries.
1937 Advert for By-Products of British coal: Presotim Wood Preservative; Presomet Rust-resisting Paint; Synthaprufe Liquid Waterproofing and Jointing Material; Synthaflex Plastic Material for filling crevices before final sealing with Synthaprufe; Synthacold Cold Dressing for paths, drives, roads. (Engineering/Metals/Quarry, Roads and Mining/Transport Section - Stand No. B.320)
1942 Amalgamation of Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries with Cory Brothers and Co
1944 Formation of Powell Duffryn Ltd and voluntary liquidation of the 3 former companies[1].
1946 Unlike the main coal production business, several subsidiaries were concerned with fuel distribution, and so would not be nationalised - these were Stephenson Clarke Ltd, Gueret, Llewellyn and Merrett Ltd, Cory Brothers and Co Ltd. Powell Duffryn and International Combustion Ltd jointly established Rhymney Engineering Co to take over an engineering works at Rhymney that Powell Duffryn had been operating during the war. The company would manufacture mining machinery, materials handling plant for collieries and power stations, and other specialised engineering products[2]. Delanium Ltd had developed a new method of making carbon.
1947 The National Coal Board took over all Powell Duffryn's coal mining interests but they indirectly retained a considerable influence on the management of the coal industry with many of their management retaining senior level posts with the N.C.B. particularly in the South Wales area. As a result, Powell Duffryn Co diversified and expanded in other directions, including formation of Powell Duffryn Technical Services Ltd, which would provide consultancy in fuel production, distribution and utilization worldwide, and Powell Duffryn Carbon Products Ltd, as well as acquiring a factory unit at Hayes, to commercialise the new carbon product developed by Delanium; the laboratories at Battersea were renamed Powell Duffryn Research Laboratories Ltd[3] [4]
1948 In conjunction with William Cory and Son acquired John Kelly Ltd of Belfast, coal importers of Northern Ireland, and associated companies owned by the Kelly family[5]
1950 Vacuum Oil Co acquired the oil storage, blending packing business at Coryton of Cory Brothers and Co in exchange for shares in Vacuum Oil Co which would be held by Cory's parent Powell Duffryn; together with further investments, this would give Powell Duffryn and Socony-Vacuum Oil Co Inc of USA equal ownership of the Vacuum Co. An oil refinery would be built at Coryton, primarily for the production of lubricating oils[6].
1953 The compensation for nationalisation of the coal interests was finally settled, at £15million[7]
1954 The Coryton refinery had been delayed in completion and cost more than expected; Powell Duffryn sold its half share in Vacuum Oil Co to Socony-Vacuum[8]
1960 Formed a business in the manufacturing and sale of heating equipment, based on Janitor Boilers Ltd, of which the remaining shares were acquired; extended the Janitor range of oil and anthracite boilers to smaller boilers for 3-4 bedroom houses. Purchased the Hurseal company, makers of pressed steel radiators[9]
1967 Powell Duffryn sold the Delanium process to Robert Jenkins of Rotherham as it was too specialised to be integrated with the company's other engineering businesses[10]
1968 Queen's Award to Industry for Export Achievement for Hydraulic Machinery[11]
By the early 1980s, the company had worldwide recognition in the field of engineering, shipping (travel), bulk liquid storage, fuel distribution, construction, wagon manufacture to name but a few.
In 1980/81 the turnover reached £456m.
Their commercial interests in South Wales included: -
- Powell Duffryn Engineering Co - Llantrisant
- Powell Duffryn Travel - Cardiff
- Cory Brothers - Cardiff
- Powell Duffryn Timber - Barry
- Powell Duffryn Quarries - Merthyr, Machen, Caerffili, Penhow and Newport
- Dan-y-Graig Brick Co - Risca
- Powell Duffryn Wagon Co - Cardiff
- Powell Duffryn Oil and Chemical Storage Co - Barry
- Powell Duffryn Private Railway
Related Businesses:
See Also
Sources of Information
- [2] Rhondda Cynon Taf
- 1937 British Industries Fair Advert p645; and p402
- The Engineer of 19th January 1968 p135