Celebrating 140 years of innovative engineering
2011 marks the 140th anniversary of FTSE 100
engineering company, The Weir Group PLC.
It was in 1871 that brothers George and James Weir set up the
engineering firm of G & J Weir and joined the booming
industrial scene in the west of Scotland at the height of the great
Victorian era of industrial innovation.
One of those innovations was the celebrated direct-acting feed
pump which was crucial to the development of steam ships – and
particularly Clyde-built steam ships –at that time.
Although today a global leader in the design and manufacture of
pumps and valves, in its 140 year history, the company has designed
and built a wide range of products including cars, buses,
prefabricated housing, oil pipelines and desalination
plants. It was also involved in the development of the
autogiro which was the precursor to the helicopter.
Today Weir's global footprint covers over 70 countries employing
over 11,000 people with a focus on the minerals, oil & gas and
power sectors with over 40 per cent of its 2009 annual revenue
coming from the key emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Africa and
South America.
Weir chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin said: "Although most
of the Group's profit is now generated from outside of Scotland, we
are proud to recognise and celebrate our engineering
heritage. Weir is almost the last of a long list of
notable companies established in the 19th century to
retain its independence."
Lord Weir, great grandson of founding brother James Weir,
said: "Far too many businesses have been lost to Scotland and
far too few of significance have been created in recent
years. There is a proud history behind Weir with plenty
of examples of what to do and a few of what not to do. The
business is in good hands and I hope it continues to flourish for
many years to come"
ENDS
Contact
details:
The Weir Group PLC
Helen Walker,
Public Relations Manager
Tel. +44 141 308 3739
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