50 years of British manufacturing
50 years of British manufacturing
2012 represents the 50th anniversary of Worcester pioneering the domestic oil boiler and we will be celebrating half a century of British manufacturing over the course of the next 12 months.
Carl Arntzen, our Managing Director guides you through our 50 year journey leading up to the present day:
A truly special anniversary
“This year marks a truly special anniversary for everybody concerned with Worcester, Bosch Group as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organisation’s formation, back in 1962.
“Whilst the progression of the organisation into the market leader it is today is cause for celebration, I am also keen for us to emphasise the significance of our development as a proud British manufacturer of products to serve the UK’s homes.
“We are extremely proud of our heritage and the values associated with the Worcester brand – both of which have been thanks to our investment in the development of our people, products and services.
“It is often difficult to imagine the humble beginnings of our company. Back in 1962, Cecil Duckworth, set up the company in an old vinegar factory in Worcester and pioneered the domestic oil-fired boiler to meet the heating needs of British homes at that time.
“Worcester Engineering, as the company was then known, quickly established itself as a leading supplier of oil boilers with the launch of the Firefly oil boiler range. The growth of the organisation led it to acquire new premises, at the Diglis factory east of the river Severn.”
First manufacturer to introduce the gas combi boiler
“The early 1970’s saw Worcester anticipate the increasing demand for gas boilers following a world oil crisis which damaged many industrialised nations.
“Having already pioneered the oil boiler in the previous decade, Worcester was the first manufacturer to introduce the now iconic gas combi boiler to UK homes.
“By the end of the decade, Worcester Engineering had a 30,000 sq. ft. factory and had also acquired Delglo Appliances in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.
“An unforgettable decade for all concerned with the organisation, the ‘80’s saw the Diglis factory destroyed by a fire, only to resume manufacturing boilers just three weeks later.
“In 1984, following the re-opening of the factory, Worcester Engineering was renamed ‘Worcester Heat Systems’ and construction started on Worcester’s first boiler Training Academy in 1987. At this point, the organisation’s phenomenal growth saw it purchase an 11 acre site to the north of the city of Worcester, which it moved to in 1990.
“Without a doubt, the ‘90’s was a landmark decade for Worcester. As well as beginning to operate fully from new headquarters, we also became part of the global Bosch Group, which operates in over 60 countries worldwide.
“This strengthened our commitment to excellence, which remains one of our key values today.”
Renewable technologies enhance product portfolio
“Over the last decade, our product portfolio has been enhanced with the introduction of a number of renewable technologies including our Greenskies solar thermal heating systems and Greenstore ground source heat pumps, not to mention the development of our now award-winning Greenstar range of condensing boilers.
“As the UK’s environmental agenda gathers pace, these technologies will remain key to the low carbon future we are working towards.
“We have also developed our training offering with the opening of our £1.5 million Training and Assessment Academy, to ensure that our network of installers are fully equipped to meet the challenges of today and beyond.
“It has been well documented that over the last 30 years or so, the manufacturing sector in the UK is in decline, however we have broken this trend, maintaining an upward curve of progression and establishing ourselves as market leaders in the domestic heating and hot water industry.
“Over the next 10-15 years we fully expect the UK to enter a new phase in the development of sustainable heating solutions and by working together, remain certain that we can make the most of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead over the next 50 years and beyond.”
Further information
Visit our new 50th anniversary website.
Date published: 13th January, 2012
Subscribe to this feed Return to News
Social media