History

The 20th Century

Allenwest Wallacetown has inherited knowledge and expertise from various companies all of whom were at one time renowned names in their own right. These companies include M&C Switchgear, Belmos, and Simplex as well as the Allenwest and Wallacetown businesses which originally traded independently. These businesses originated in the early years of the 20th Century to meet the increasing demand for safety combined with functionality which characterised the development of flameproof switchgear for hazardous environments.

M&C Switchgear - The Mavour & Coulson Group were involved in the manufacture of machinery for underground mining operations. As electrical power was coming to the fore in the mining environment in 1931 they opened a new Factory in Kirkintilloch - this was named M&C Switchgear, in 1993 M&C Switchgear merged with Wallacetown.

Belmos - This company was part of Bruce Peebles Industries based in Bellshill Lanarkshire, it then became part of the Reyrolle Group and subsequently became part of the NEI Mining Group trading under NEI Belmos Mining, In 1992 Belmos merged with M&C Switchgear.

Simplex - Simplex GE was part of the GE of America Group based at Blythe Bridge, in the early 1980's it became part of the Allenwest Group.

Wallacetown - In 1918 Wallacetown Engineering Company was located in Ayr, in the late 1970's it became part of the Allenwest Group. Wallacetown has particular expertise in mining technology where it has been responsible for a number of innovative systems: in 1968 it developed the first solid state overload protection for use in gate-end boxes and in 1986 it produced the first microprocessor- controlled gate - end box incorporating advanced control and protection system, diagnostics and data transmission.

All the above merged into Allenwest Wallacetown Ltd in 1993.

 

Early 21st Century

In 1999 following a management buyout, the company relocated from its site at Heathfield Road in Ayr to its current premises in Irvine where the business enjoys first class road, rail and air links. The early years of the 21st Century were ones of growth and product innovation.  Between 1999 and 2007 turnover increased by more than 75% and major developments included the design and manufacture of a completely new range of flameproof transformers with market leading performance to complement the existing range of AW2000 Loadcentres.

In July 2007 Allenwest Wallacetown further consolidated its global presence by joining the Ampcontrol Group.

 

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