of Edmonton
1923 Formerly Heavy Current Electric Accessories Co and became MK Electric.[1]
The company also invented the modern light switch.
The British Engineering Standards Association (BESA) revised its standards, effectively making the Multy Kontact the standard socket.
1926 Added a small electroplating operation to the factory.
1926 Established Insulators Ltd, a partly owned subsidiary which manufactured plastic mouldings for a range of trade customers
By 1928 MK was using the new insulating material Bakelite. MK also introduced the first ever shuttered socket, concealing the socket tubes and eliminating the alarming flash invariably accompanying plug withdrawal from old fashioned sockets. These became the foundation for the British domestic electrical system
1933 Established a subsidiary Knightshades Ltd
WWII The company switched most of its production to detonators, firing systems and centrifuges needed for the war effort. Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters all used MK products.
Early 60s: the company opened a factory in Southend.
1966 Share issue. Directors are Charles Leonard Arnold, Reginald William Dowsett, William Charles Waghorne (MD of Insulators) and Francis David O'Brien Newman.[2]
1968 Charles Arnold retired from the chairmanship of the company and sold 25 percent of the equity in the company, retaining 10 percent[3]
1969 Charles Arnold died at age of 83.
1984: 100 millionth Safetyplug was produced.
Also has a factory in St Asaph.
1987 Acquired by RTZ, becoming part of RTZ Pillar[4]
2013 Now part of Honeywell
See Also
Sources of Information
- MK Electric website [1]