Johnson Matthey & Co Ltd

Sectors:

  • Financial services Commercial joint stock & clearing banking services
  • Chemical production Paint, varnish, mastic, glue, resin, white lead, etc, production
  • Basic metals production Silver, gold & other precious metals smelting

Notes:

Traced origins to Percival Norton Johnson, 1792-1866, of Hatton Garden who in 1817 established himself as a refiner of precious metals, especially gold, silver, nickel and platinum. Also made colours for ceramic decoration. 1851 renamed Johnson, Matthey & Co when joined as partner by George Matthey and others. 1852 appointed assayers to Bank of England. Under Matthey, senior partner from 1860, developed leadership in platinum refining through technological advance, enabling industrial production of platinum for first time. Incorporated 1891. Converted to public company 1901. 1925 discovery of platinum deposits in South Africa led to establishment of smelting operation there. 1920s acquired J Bishop & Co of USA. 1950s relocated central London activities to other plant at Harlow, Royston and Wembley. Late 1970s damaged and restructured following collapse of Johnson Matthey Bankers. Continues as Johnson Matthey Plc, a leading internationally spread precious metal refiner

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