Marconi Co Ltd

Sectors:

  • Electrical & electronic engineering Electronic equipment & components production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Radar equipment production
  • Telecommunication & postal services Telecommunication services
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Television & radio transmitting & receiving equipment production

Notes:

Traced origins to Guglielmo Marconi, 1874-1937, a pioneer in 'wireless telegraphy' in late 1890s who sent first transatlantic wireless message in 1901. 1897 established the Wireless Telegraphy & Signal Co Ltd, London, renaming it Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co Ltd in 1900. Established factory in 1898 at Hall Street, Chelmsford, to make wireless equipment. Also in 1900 Marconi International Marine Communication Co Ltd established to handle shore to ship communication business. Chelmsford Works moved to new purpose building at New Street in 1912 which was subsequently extended in late 1930s and post 1945. Early 1920s briefly established broadcasting of entertainment programmes. 1923 sold domestic radio production business to Marconiphone Co Ltd. 1928 wireless transmission services subsumed into what would become Cable & Wireless Ltd. 1930s opened research laboratories at nearby Writtle. Developed into a major manufacturer of radio equipment and in 1956 fully owned by English Electric Ltd which in turn was acquired by GEC Ltd in 1968 when it became the focus of the latter's defence activities, especially radar

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