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Brief History of

Perkins begins to celebrate its 75^thanniversary, Powernews reports on Perkins’ role in the development of the high-speed diesel engine and its acceptance as a worldwide source of dependable and cost-effective power.

It was in June 1932 that Perkins was officially established in Peterborough – and 75 years later those associated with the company are preparing to celebrate its remarkable anniversary.

The importance of Perkins in the development of the high-speed diesel engine and its acceptance throughout the world is undeniable.

Frank Perkins and Charles Chapman may have started with a clear vision but even they could not have anticipated the level of success the company has enjoyed after its trouble years.

Frank Perkins and Charles Chapman

Frank Perkins and Charles Chapman were two men with little money but a big idea, and in 1932 they set up business together in a tiny backstreet workshop in the centre of Peterborough.

Their foresight saw the growth of the small high-speed diesel engine for cars and light trucks, and from humble beginnings the company continued to expand. Over the years engine production level at the Queen Street factory steadily rose, but it was the legendary P6 six liter diesel engiene which really helped launch Perkins into an era of sustained growth.

P6

Deemed by many as the best small diesel engine of the 2930s and 2940s, the P6 was light and economic, while offering a good level of torque. Regarded as the “the rock upon which Perkins was founded” thousands of P6 engines were sold for a variety of applications including trucks, cars and marine.

As the reputation of the P6 continued to grow, Perkins decided to capitalize on the engines popularity and produced a four and three cylinder version.

The Eastfield Factory

From 1932 to 1947 Perkins manufactured its engines from small factory site in Peterborough city center.

With order books continuing to grow, Frank Perkins decided it was tome to build a new bigger plant, on farming land he already owned in Peterborough.

In 1947 the new Eastfield factory was opened and was quickly producing around 100 engines a day.

Figuers from that time show the rapid increase in production levels:

• 1943 – 1 700 engines
• 1944 – 1 700 engines
• 1945 – 2 300 engines
• 1947 – 3 900 engines
• 1948 – nearly 7 000 engines
  
• 1949 – nearly 15 000 engines
• 1950 – nearly 25 000 engines

Throughout the 1950s production levels continued to grow but problems with the larger R6 diesel and general widespread economic difficulties resulted in the takeover of Perkins by Massey Ferguson in 1959.

Massey Ferguson

The takeover of Perkins by Massey Ferguson represented a turning point in the company’s history. Perkins now had both financial security and a security of engine supply – a situation which saw volumes continue to grow and new markets explored.

6.354

If the P6 was the engine that gained the early reputation for Perkins, it was 6.354 that bolstered the company’s image and provided the foundation for worldwide growth then 60s and 70s.

Production in 1960 and, in 1962, more than 24 000 engines wee produced from the Eastfield factory where block, head, crankshaft and connecting roods were machined.

The engine was a hit for most applications resulting in versions to power trucks, tractors, industrial and marine equipment. The rating for vehicle was soon increased to 120 BHP at 2800 RPM, whilst turbocharger versions (designated T6.354) were developed quickly for Massey Ferguson tractors, marine and industrial application.

Production of the 6.354 was not restricted to Peterborough and as license agreements were signed around the world production of the engine began in Mexico, Argentina, Turkey, Peru, South Africa, Brazil and the USA.

Perkins worldwide

Perkins continued to grow it sought to find new ways to expand its interests overseas with licensing agreements established around the world – the first being Simpson & Co in India in 1953.

This was followed by factory expansion in the likes of Brazil and continuous investment in new products to cope with the increasing demand for more power.

Perkins versatility

Over the yeas has shown itself to be incredibly versatile with its engines having powered the likes of trucks, buses and even a tourist submarine.

In the late 1960s a V8 engine was produced for a giant Massey Ferguson tractor, and in 1967 Francis Chichester was knighted after his single handed journey around the world in his Perkins 4.107 powered Gypsy Moth.

Caterpillar Inc

In 1998 Perkins was sold to Caterpillar Inc for US$ 1.3 billion. The last nine yeas have seen continued investment in Perkins, including the recent announcement on the creation of a £30 million global crankshaft machining centre at the Peterborough headquarters.