Plaque, maker's plate, iron, oval with raised lettering

Founded 1850, ceased trading 1974

1850 John Fowler, Junior started work on application of steam-power to agricultural uses, in the first instance for drainage.
1860 Fowler entered into an agreement with Kitson and Hewitson of Hunslet, Leeds, for them to manufacture his steam ploughs. Fowler's Steam Plough Works were built on neighbouring land at Hunslet
apparatus which he manufactures in his own factory at Leeds in connection with Kitson and Hewitson 
1863 Established John Fowler and Co
1864 John Fowler was killed in a hunting accident aged 38 years. His brother Robert Fowler became a partner in the company.
1865 The Steam Plough Works enters the locomotive building trade 
1865 Patent by David Greig and Robert Burton of the Steam Plough Works for improvements in travelling cranes
1871 Making agricultural machinery for Germany, locomotives for Brazil and winding engines for Cleveland
1850 John Fowler, Junior started work on application of steam-power to agricultural uses, in the first instance for drainage.
1871 Making agricultural machinery for Germany, locomotives for Brazil and winding engines for Cleveland
1871 Employing 950 hands and Robert W. Eddison is in charge [18]
1886 The name John Fowler and Co (Leeds) Ltd was registered and listed as a manufacturer of steam traction engines. The company, John Fowler and Co (Leeds) Ltd was registered on 13 August, to acquire the business of engineers of the firm of the same name.
1888 Robert Fowler died
1889 Formed the Fowler-Waring Cables Co
1908 June 24th. Made a Private company
1910 Produced agricultural tractors and machinery
1913 'The manufacture of Road Locomotives, Traction Engines, Tractors, Steam Ploughing Engines, and Road Rollers was commenced at the Steam Plough Works about the year 1850, and our modern engines are the outcome of accumulated experience gained since then. Our works cover an area of over fourteen acres and about 2,800 to 3,000 men and boys are now employed almost exclusively in the manufacture of various types of Steam and Oil Engine and Implements, an obvious proof of the constantly increasing demand for our engines.'
1924 Built steam powered lorries until 1935 and built 117 in this period.
In 1927 the Gyrotiller was produced, having been designed to work on sugar cane plantations. Its rotary tines could penetrate the soil to a depth of 500 mm. It was successful not only at the sugar estates but also gained interest from contractors. The last Gyrotiller was produced in 1937
1935 Ceased production of lorries and railway locomotives. It is estimated that they made between 150-300 of the latter.
1937 The last steam engine, a road roller, was produced.
1939 Announce diesel engine. 'Mr. P. R. Hasson, managing director, said felt that this last change was going to put back the firm in the position where it once stood, because the new Diesel engine, designed by Mr. A. Freeman Sanders, they had something that was pre-eminent, while in bringing this new engine to them, Mr. Sanders had also brought a number of other new ideas...'
WWII Made Churchill tanks; invented the gyro tiller.
1945 May. The Ministry of Supply who are the owners of the company, sell it to Rotary Hoes [49]
1945 June 9th. Made a public company 
1947 Acquired by Marshall, Sons and Co including Fowler's mechanised factory at Sprotborough, Doncaster; the 2 companies had major interests in diesel tractors[51].
1947 June 24th. The petrol and diesel industrial engine part of the business was sold to Associated British Engineering
1974 Company ceased trading.registered on 13 August, to acquire the business of engineers of the firm of the same name
Sourced at https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/John_Fowler_and_Co, accessed 17/06/2021

John Fowler & Co

Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

B2265-2 Plaque, makers plate, oval with raised lettering, iron, John Fowler & Co, Leeds, United Kingdom, 1887

POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Makers plaque for steam plowing engine

Object No. B2265-2

Summary

Physical Description

SOURCE

Acquisition Date