Lister Blackstone

Lister Blackstone was formed through the acquisition of Black-stone & Co by R A Lister & Co (1867), in Stamford who was an agricultural implement manufacturer in 1936. Following the takeover a period of reorganisation of the factory and the production methods occurred as Lister had originally acquired Blackstone in order to gain access to the large engine market.

During the Second World War, all production of open crank spring injection engines, small vertical petrol, kerosene and diesel engines and BPV automotive engines were stopped. In particular, the production of EPV engines for base load installations was increased to meet the demand from all three Services and the demand increased for productivity on agricultural implements.

Lister Blackstone was run as an independent family business until 1st June 1965 when it was taken over by the Hawker Siddeley Group and merged with Mirrlees National of Stockport four years later. The company name changed to Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd in 1969.