William Henry Bruerton
William Henry Bruerton (c1898-1951) of GKN
1953 Obituary [1]
WILLIAM HENRY BRUERTON spent most of his engineering career in the service of Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds, Ltd., Darlaston, including his apprenticeship which he served from 1915 to 1920. During this time he was trained in mechanical and electrical engineering at the County Technical College, Wednesbury.
After some experience as junior draughtsman to the Wellman Smith Owen Engineering Corporation, and as assistant engineer to the Weldless Steel Tube Company, Wednesfield, for four years, he became chief draughtsman to Messrs. Martin Winn, Darlaston.
He renewed his association with Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds in 1930 and for the next eight years was in charge of the drawing office at Darlaston, besides acting as assistant to the works engineer. He was then promoted to be assistant to the works manager with considerably increased responsibility; this included planning, layout and upkeep, purchase and maintenance of works equipment, in addition to the design and development of forging machines.
His final appointment, which he held from 1945, was that of development engineer. In this capacity he was responsible for the design and development of manufacturing processes, factory plant, and fundamental movements, besides all specialized equipment, and researches covering all departments.
Since 1936 he had been senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at Willenhall County Evening Institute.
Mr. Bruerton was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1938 and transferred to Membership ten years later.
His death occurred on 17th September 1951 at the age of fifty-three.