Colchester

Colchester is an historic town in the north of the English county of Essex, with a population of about 160,000. It is the main town in the borough of Colchester, is one of the towns which claim to be Britain's oldest town (but is the oldest recorded Roman town).

Paxman Diesels

The world famous Paxman diesels business has been associated with Colchester since 1865 when James Noah Paxman founded a partnership with the brothers Henry and Charles Davey ('Davey, Paxman, and Davey') and opened the Standard Ironworks at a location in the town centre. In 1876 James Paxman obtained a site on Hythe Hill and the company moved to the "New" Standard Ironworks.

Related Topics:
Paxman diesels - 1865 - 1876

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Davey, Paxman and Davey conducted business as general engineers and ironworkers. The company manufactured steam engines, boilers, agricultural machinery, and mill gearing. By the early 1870s the company was supplying machinery to the Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1925 Paxman produced its first spring injection oil engine and joined the English Electric Diesel Group in 1966 - later becoming part of the GEC Group. Since the 1930s the Paxman company's main business has been the production of diesel engines. Paxman engines are world famous. They are used in fast naval patrol craft, submarines, and high speed trains. At its peak, the Paxman works covered 23 acres (93,000 m²) and employed over 2,000 people.

Related Topics:
1925 - 1966

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Examples where Paxman diesels are in use include the Type 23 Frigate, the Upholder class Submarine, the Intercity 125 High Speed Train.

Related Topics:
Type 23 Frigate - Upholder class Submarine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Paxman became part of MAN B&W Diesel Ltd in 2000. In 2003 the company announced proposals to transfer manufacturing to Stockport. The last production engine to be built in Colchester was completed on 15th September 2003. This marked the end of 138-years manufacturing by Paxman of Colchester. All that is left on the Standard Works site is the Diesel Service (Spares, Service and Overhaul) activities, employing around 100 people.

Related Topics:
2000 - 2003 - Stockport

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~