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History

Founded in 1854 by Jonathan Pickering, Pickerings Limited is one of the oldest engineering firms in England. Jonathan Pickering was the inventor and patentee of the original Pickering Pulley Block with which the Company established its reputation. It was considered a wonderful invention at that time and far surpassed other types then in use.

Pickerings gear shop, c.1904

Promotional material c.1893

Further improvements in Hoisting Appliances were developed as time progressed, and the Company successfully exhibited its products at the Philadelphia Exhibition in the USA in 1876, Bremen, Germany, in 1874, and Amsterdam, Holland in 1888, when in each case the Company was awarded medals in recognition of the excellence and quality of its equipment.

Pickerings was one of the first companies in the country to manufacture elevators, a natural evolution from general hoisting appliances. Pickerings was the inventor of the self-sustaining Hand Lift and Service Lift, and developed the Belt-Power and Hydraulic Lift. In 1888 Pickerings designed and manufactured their first Electric Lift which was installed at the Middlesbrough Co-operative Society. The first fully automatic push button lift was made in 1896 which was, in those days, a considerable achievement and was the fore-runner of many developments in the lift industry.

Pickerings's lifts as used by the Empire Air Service in its mooring masts

The Company was also well known for its ship lifts, having installed lifts in many well known passenger ships (including the QE2), naval ships and bulk carriers (for example, the Atlantic Conveyor, which was sunk in action in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War in 1982).

Lifts and hoisting appliances were not the only product for which Pickerings was known at the turn of the 20th century. The Company specialised in many forms of handling plant and Furnace Charging machines. During the two World Wars much work of national importance was carried out including the manufacture of balloon winches and field power/traction units (1914-1918 War), and trench mortars and components for Bailey Bridges and floating Pontoon Bridges (1939-1945 War). The Company also installed the Ammunition Lifts for the long range cross-channel guns on the South Coast of England, near Dover. During the period of the British Empire export markets were fertile grounds for British based companies and these markets were not neglected by Pickerings. Lifts have been supplied throughout the world including, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, China, India, Brazil, Turkey, Burma, Belgium and Iceland. The Company continues to serve and expand in various export markets.

In 1891, after the death of Jonathan Pickering, the Board of Directors invited Mr. John Fothergill (at that time an independent marine engineering consultant and sometime consultant to Pickerings on ship docking and unloading systems) to succeed as Managing Director. This he accepted, and Pickerings is currently in its fifth generation of family ownership and management.

 

Pickerings celebrates its 150th year in business

In 2004 Pickerings celebrated its 150th year in business. A new logo was commissioned to commemorate the year's activities with the theme "Giving Life a Lift". The logo was included on the label of the specially commissioned Anniversary Ale brewed to mark the occasion and enjoyed by staff, customers and suppliers alike.

150th Anniversary logo

Little Dalham winning at York

A year of celebration began with dinner dances for all employees and their partners, and continued on the sporting front with the inaugural "Pickerings Lifts 150th Anniversary Maiden Auction Stakes" at York race course in July.

Pickerings was especially proud to be honoured by a visit from Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Prime Minister took time to visit Pickerings's Stockton on Tees manufacturing facility and learn more about the company, its products and people. The Prime Minister unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and delivered his verdict on Pickerings as "a very special company and very special people".

Prime Minister Blair visits Pickerings

Donald Fothergill wins the Tees Valley Businessman of the Year Award

In December 2004 Chairman and Managing Director Donald Fothergill was full of pride when he was announced as Tees Valley Businessman of the Year in the North East Business Awards.

In April 2005, Pickerings Lifts was named Tees Valley “Company of the Year” at the North East Business Awards. This prestigious award was collected by Group Chairman, Mr Donald Fothergill on behalf of all the company's employees.