■ Sulzer History

In the first two decades, Sulzer Brothers was a cast iron foundry with a couple of dozen craftsman. the transformation into an industrial enterprise only began in the middle of the 19th century. Above all, the development in 1867 of a revolutionary valve-fitted steam engine by Charles Brown for Sulzer contributed to the company's rise. Step by step, Sulzer moved into the production of refrigerating machines, centrifugal pumps and central heating systems. The company also developed and produced steam engines for ships.

Around 1900, Sulzer employed 3,000 people. Thanks to a cooperative agreement with Rudolf Diesel, Sulzer became a leading producer of diesel engines, which gradually replaced steam engines.

At the end of the 1930's, Sulzer began to produce heat pumps. Shortly after World War II, Sulzer started manufacturing gas turbines and textile machines. It also entered the nuclear technology sector.

In the 1960's, Sulzer strengthened its position through a number of major takeovers. It acquired new business areas, particularly pumps, hydro turbines, paper machines, and medical technology, and started the development of separation columns.

The oil crisis of the 1970's slowed a period of rapid growth. In the 1980's Sulzer was reorganised step by step and the product range streamlined, but also complimented with surface technology.

Around the turn of the millennium, large business areas were sold or spun off, in recent years, Sulzer has doubles sales and quadrupled operating profit with the present four divisions: Sulzer Pumps, Sulzer Metco, Sulzer Chemtech, and Sulzer Turbo Services.

■ Sulzer Dowding & Mills History

The origins of Sulzer Dowding & Mills date back to 1913, when William Dowding and Harry Mills first set up an electrical wiring company in Bordesley, Birmingham, U.K.

As electric motors became more commonplace, the main focus of the business was soon to switch to rewinding and repair. It quickly established a reputation for high quality, and through its "Round-the-Clock" working philosophy, a fast reliable service.

Steady expansion during the First World War led to the Company taking "limited" status in 1919. Following a further period of rapid development during the Second World War, it became a public company in 1946.

Over the past five decades, expansion has continued unabated to what is now a global network of rewind shops, mechanical repair facilities, electronic, instrument and calibration houses.

Sulzer Dowding & Mills has exported the "Round-the-Clock" philosophy worldwide, helping the Company to establish itself as a major international operator, especially in the key markets of Europe, Australia, Asia - Pacific and North America.