1904 |
Bergius Car & Engine Company founded. Premises at Finnieston Street. |
1905 |
First reliable car completed, 3 more planned. |
1906 |
Installation of car engine in 23 foot rowing gig, leading
to success of 'Kelvin' and beginning of marine engine manufacture. End of car manufacturing. |
1907 |
Sailing fishing boat fitted with Kelvin engine. |
1908 |
First specifically marine engine. |
1910 |
Exporting Marine Engines worldwide. Company changed name
to the Bergius Launch and Engine Company with new factory at Dobbies Loan. Annual output 700 engines. |
1913 |
Suppliers to Admiralty, Scottish Fishery Board, Mersey
Harbour Board, Northern Lighthouse Board, as well as Turkish, Portuguese, Egyptian and Russian governments. |
1914-18 |
Major success in Mesopotamian campaign. |
1930's |
Kelvin Ricardo Petrol/Paraffin Engines (types E, F &
G) and Kelvin Diesel Engines (types J & K) launched. |
1939 |
Manufacturing diesel as well as Petrol/Paraffin Engines. |
1939-45 |
Replacement of Petrol/Paraffin Engines by diesel as main
product. Success in small boat raids on Lofoten Islands. |
1949 |
Death of Walter Bergius (founder), major shareholding
purchased by Brush- ABOE Group (part of Hawker-Siddeley Ltd.). |
1961 |
Changed nameto Berguis-Kelvin Co. Ltd., quoted on Glasgow
and London Stock Exchanges. |
1963 |
Purchased Glennifer Engines, Anniesland. |
1966 |
Purchased by Ruston & Hornsby Ltd., themselves subsequently
purchased by English Electric. |
1968 |
English Electric merged with General Electric Co., formed
Diesel Group, including Dorman, Paxman & Ruston. |
1983 |
All production concentrated at Kyle St. under GEC Alsthom. |
1994 |
Purchased by Lincoln Diesels. Moved to Uddingston. |
1998 |
Purchased by Toddie & Carlisle Ltd. |
2000 |
Purchased by British Polar Engines Ltd. Engine production
moved to Helen Street in Glasgow |