John Burgoyne Pillin
John Burgoyne Pillin (1888-1948)
1949 Obituary [1]
"JOHN BURGOYNE PILLIN was the founder and chairman of Messrs. John B. Pillin, Ltd., makers of lubricating equipment, Beckenham, Kent, and had been head of the firm for sixteen years.
He was born in 1888 and after leaving school became, in 1906, a pupil of Mr. E. Moul, chief surveyor to the London and South Western Railway. Three years later he went to Guildford to serve a further term of pupilage under Messrs. Dennis Brothers. On the completion of his articles in 1911 he became assistant to the director of the fire engine department of Messrs. Dennis Brothers, with responsibility for first and second tests.
In addition he represented the firm's interests on the Continent for some years. After acting as assistant works manager he was promoted to the post of works manager, but in 1922 he severed his connection with the firm and went into business on his own account as a general engineer and proprietor of a garage. He then became interested in lubrication equipment and founded in 1932 the concern which now bears his name. In April 1947 his firm joined the Wakefield group of companies, Mr. Pillin, however, retaining office as chairman up to the time of his death, which occurred on 26th January 1948. He was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1922. He had many inventions and patents to his credit in connection with lubrication appliances."