Ferranti Ltd

Sectors:

  • Information processing equipment production Computer hardware equipment production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Electrical & non electrical appliances inc sewing machines, etc, production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Electrical generators, motors, transformers, etc, production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Electronic equipment & components production
  • Precision instruments production Measuring inc navigational equipment production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Radar equipment production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Television & radio transmitting & receiving equipment production

Notes:

Traced origins to Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti, 1864-1930, who started to design electrical equipment in 1882. Early businesses were known as Ferranti, Thompson & Ince and S Z Ferranti Ltd, the latter focusing on electricity meters.1887 designed Deptford Power Station for London Electric Supply Corp which is regarded as first modern power station. Emerged as a leading manufacturer of transformers, meters and other electrical equipment, consolidating production away from London at Hollinwood in 1896 and being incorporated as Ferranti Ltd in 1901. In difficulties in early 1900s and reorganised 1905. Transformers a key products between the wars but diversified into manufacture of consumer electrical goods such as radios, televisions, electric clocks, electric fires, cookers, etc. Marketed its first computer in 1949 and became a leading force in military electronics especially radar, navigation systems, early warning equipment, semiconductors, etc. Much of this electronics business was located in Scotland, based on Edinburgh. In difficulties in 1975 when still led by Ferranti family. Then rescued with government support and reconstructed. Supported by National Enterprise Board in 1970s. 1987 acquired the large International Signal & Control Corp of USA, a leading defence electronics business. Renamed Ferranti International Plc. Collapsed in 1993 as a result of a massive fraud arising out the ICS acquisition [2023]

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