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Clarke Chapman

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Clarke Chapman
Company typePrivate
IndustryEngineering
Founded1864
HeadquartersGateshead, UK
ParentLangley Holdings
Websitewww.clarkechapman.co.uk

Clarke Chapman is a British engineering firm based in Gateshead, which was formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange.

History

A steam turbine, generator & switchboard set, made by Clarke, Chapman, Parsons & Co. It is now in the collection of Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

The company was founded in 1864 in Gateshead by William Clarke (1831–1890).[1] In 1865 Clarke took in a partner, Abel Chapman,[1] and the two of them developed the business into one of the largest manufacturers of cranes and other mechanical handling equipment in the world. In 1870 two further partners joined the firm, Joseph Watson and Joseph Gurney.[2] The firm became known as Clarke, Chapman and Gurney. Joseph Gurney retired from the firm in 1882.[3] The firm subsequently formed a partnership with John Furneaux and Charles Parsons, and became known as Clarke, Chapman, Parsons, and Company. Parsons left the firm in 1889.[4]

By 1907 the firm manufactured an extensive range of ship's auxiliary machinery, mining plant, water tube boilers, and pumps.[5] Clarke Chapman became the main supplier of auxiliary equipment to the British shipbuilding industry before the First World War.[6]

In 1969 Clarke Chapman acquired Sir William Arrol & Co., a leading bridge-builder.[7]

In 1970 Clarke Chapman acquired John Thompson, a leading boiler making business based in Wolverhampton.[8]

In 1974 Clarke Chapman acquired the UK interests of International Combustion, a diverse group of heavy engineering businesses.[9]

The company merged with Reyrolle Parsons in 1977 to form Northern Engineering Industries plc[7] which itself was acquired by Rolls Royce plc in 1989.[7]

The business continues today as part of Langley Holdings Limited which acquired it from Rolls Royce in 2000.[10]

Ships using Clarke Chapman mechanical handling equipment include the RFA Wave Knight and the RFA Wave Ruler completed in 2000 and 2001 respectively.[11]

Operations

The Finnieston Crane in Glasgow built by Cowans Sheldon

The company trades under the names of Cowans Sheldon (railway cranes), RB Cranes (construction cranes), Stothert & Pitt (port cranes) and Wellman Booth (steel plant cranes).

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "William Clarke 1831-1890". Gateshead Blue Plaques. Gateshead Libraries. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  2. ^ "Clarke, Chapman and Co". Grace's Guide. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  3. ^ "No. 25179". The London Gazette. 19 December 1882.
  4. ^ "No. 25953". The London Gazette. 12 July 1889.
  5. ^ Clarke, Chapman & Co., Limited (1907). (Untitled product catalogue). Gateshead-on-Tyne: Clarke, Chapman & Co., Limited.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ McGovern, T.; McLean, T. (2013). "The growth and development of Clarke Chapman from 1864 to 1914". Business History. 55 (3): 448–478. doi:10.1080/00076791.2012.745066.
  7. ^ a b c NZR Cranes
  8. ^ Alstom John Thompson
  9. ^ Institute of Actuaries
  10. ^ Bulk Materials International
  11. ^ RFA Wave Ruler passing Round Tower
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