The English Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd was established in 1899 by the Dick, Kerr Company to acquire the works being constructed at Strand Road Preston by the Equipment Syndicate of Manchester, for the purpose of manufacturing every variety of electrical machinery, particularly for use by railways and tramways. The technical director was S H Short from the USA, and holder of various patents. The company operations were taken over by Dick, Kerr & Company Ltd in 1904.