Clarke Chapman

Clarke Chapman

Type	Private
Industry	Engineering
Founded	1864
Headquarters	Gateshead, UK
Parent	Langley Holdings
Website	www.clarkechapman.co.uk

Clarke Chapman is a British engineering firm based in Gateshead, which was formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange.

History

The Finnieston Crane in Glasgow built by Cowans Sheldon

The company was founded in 1864 in Gateshead by William Clarke (1831-1890).^[1] In 1865 Clarke took in a partner, Able Chapman,^[1] and the two of them developed the business into one of the largest manufacturers of cranes and other mechanical handling equipment in the world.

In 1969 Clarke Chapman acquired Sir William Arrol & Co., a leading bridge-builder.^[2]

In 1970 Clarke Chapman acquired John Thompson, a leading boiler making business based in Wolverhampton.^[3]

In 1974 Clarke Chapman acquired the UK interests of International Combustion, a diverse group of heavy engineering businesses.^[4]

The company merged with Reyrolle Parsons in 1977 to form Northern Engineering Industries plc^[2] which itself was acquired by Rolls Royce plc in 1989.^[2]

The business continues today as part of Langley Holdings Limited which acquired it from Rolls Royce in 2000.^[5]

Ships using Clarke Chapman mechanical handling equipment include the RFA Wave Knight and the RFA Wave Ruler completed in 2000 and 2001 respectively.^[6]

Operations

The company trades under the names of Cowans Sheldon (railway cranes), RB Cranes (construction cranes), Stothert & Pitt (port cranes) and Wellman Booth (steel plant cranes).

See also

• C.A. Parsons and Company
• A. Reyrolle & Company

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Gateshead Blue Plaques
2. ^ ^{a b c} NZR Cranes
3. ^ Alstom John Thompson
4. ^ Institute of Actuaries
5. ^ Bulk Materials International
6. ^ Naval Technology

External links

• Official site
• Clarke Chapman History