Fisher and Ludlow Limited

Edward Fisher established his original company in 1852. Henry Ludlow joined him as a partner around 1882 and the company became known as Fisher and Ludlow. The partners produced a variety of metalware, including kettle necks, metal lids, spouts, buckets and assorted stampings and piercings. The company expanded its pressed steelware and eventually began to turn out motorcar body parts.

In 1920, Fisher and Ludlow became a public company, changing its name to Fisher and Ludlow Limited. Success in the production of motorcar body parts meant that by 1938 the company was producing parts for eight types of motor car. By 1946, the company was also making motorcar body parts for Rover and Jaguar.

Fisher and Ludlow Limited also acquired a substantial interest in Bendix Home Appliances, making use of the company’s expertise in the mass production of pressed steel parts. Fisher and Ludlow Limited completed its share acquisition in Bendix Home Appliances Ltd in 1951.

In 1953 Fisher and Ludlow Limited became a subsidiary of the British Motor Corporation. Production of domestic appliances was moved to a new purpose-built factory in Kirby, Lancashire. In 1966 the company linked up with Parkinson Cowan to look at producing new products. Fisher-Bendix was formed as a result of the partnership.

The British Motor Corporation became part of British Leyland Motor Corporation by 1968. Fisher and Ludlow Limited merged with the Pressed Steel Co to form Pressed Steel Fisher, and Parkinson Cowan purchased Fisher-Bendix.