Bolton, Thomas, & Sons Ltd

Notes:

Bolton family traced origins in business to Walsall and Birmingham where it was variously edge tool makers and platers. Later leading hardware merchants. Business expanded under Thomas Bolton, 1790-1853, who in 1838 at Birmingham began manufacture of copper and brass wire, tubes, sheet, etc. 1852 acquired Cheadle Brass & Iron Co's works at Oakamoor. 1853 renamed Thomas Bolton & Sons. Subsequently established smelting plant at Widnes in 1881 and rolling mills at St Helens in 1894 as well as fabrication works at Froghall in 1891. Emerged as, inter alia, major suppliers of copper wire for telegraphy and electricity as well as other brass and copper fabricated products. Incorporated 1902. 1932 control acquired by Callender's Cable & Construction Co Ltd and British Insulated Cables Ltd, from 1945 known as British Insulated Callender's Cables Ltd (BICC). Fully owned by them from 1961