British Thomson-Houston

British Thomson - Houston ( Abbr: BTH ), a British company based in Rugby ( Warwickshire ). It is an engineering company that has been known by electrical products and steam turbines. The company was founded in May 1896 as the European subsidiary of General Electric. In 1900 they signed a contract that made ​​it possible that British Thomson - Houston could occur as an energy supplier. 1902 a factory was opened in which electric motors and generators were built. At the same time, the company acquired a license for the production of steam turbines, whose production was recorded in 1904.

Also in 1904 the later electric car pioneer Sigmund Meyer ( engineer) had risen to become chief engineer of the company.

1909 gave British Thomson - Houston electric generators for operating the electric tram in London. In 1911, the production of incandescent lamps was taken. During World War II electrical equipment for the British Navy was produced. After the war, opened branches in Willesden, Birmingham, Chesterfield and Lutterworth.

The company existed until 1928, when it was merged with Metropolitan - Vickers under the umbrella of the Associated Electrical Industries. Both, however, remained largely independently until 1960.

1937 was created in the factory in Rugby by Frank Whittle, the first British jet engine. However, it did not take up the production of jet engines, but made ​​further magneto ignition for piston engines.