Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Napier, D, & Son Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • Napier, David
  • Napier, Montague S
  • Baisler, Francis
  • Napier Flight Development Establishment

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • Acton, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
  • Lambeth, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
  • Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire, East of England, England

Sectors:

  • Transport equipment production Aeroengines & components production
  • Transport equipment production Airframe production & repair
  • Mechanical engineering Engine & turbine production exc transport
  • Transport equipment production Motor vehicle engines & components production
  • Transport equipment production Motor vehicle production
  • Mechanical engineering Printing machinery production

Notes:

Established by David Napier, 1785-1873, who was a cousin of the distinguished Scottish marine engineers and shipbuilders David Napier, 1790-1868, and Robert Napier, 1791-1876. Came to London when young and worked for Henry Maudslay. Between 1818-22 was in partnership with Francis Baisler making printing presses. Subsequently made by a wide range of machine tools for, inter alia, ammunition manufacture, coin minting, weighing, etc, selling to government armament works, Bank of England, etc. Known as David Napier & Son from 1840s when joined by James Napier. Sometime works moved to Lambeth from central London and in c1903 also at Acton. Under David's grandson, Montague S Napier, 1870-1931, from 1896, the business was revived as a producer of motor vehicles and notably of engines for motor cars and aircraft from c1900. Also built aircraft and aircraft engines at Luton where Napier Flight Development Establishment was based. Incorporated 1906. Latterly made high performance engines. 1942 acquired by English Electric and aircraft engine division sold to Rolls Royce in 1961

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