The Iron Bridge in 1781. The London Underground in 1863. The Telephone in 1876.  Just some of the biggest feats in British engineering history. 1870 saw the establishment of Abbott & Co (Newark) Ltd and we are extremely proud of our place in history. Admittedly, times have changed a little since then; some of the machinery is different and the women here have the right to vote now (yay!!), but at its core Abbotts is the same: a quality, speedy and reliable pressure vessel manufacturer. After 153 successful years in business, we thought it was worth a quick trip down memory lane…

Abbott boilers test book from 1895

An excerpt from the 1895 boilers test book. As you can see, we have been working with Lloyd’s Register for over a century!

Boiler being transported to Chauncy Maples ship

In 1899 we built a 9½ tonne boiler for the “SS Chauncy Maples” on Lake Malawi, Africa. Whilst it no longer sails, it’s still afloat today performing life-saving work as a hospital ship. Here it is being towed 560km over land to the lake by 450 Ngoni tribesmen.

Abbott & Co advert from September 1902

This advert is from September 1902. Our products have changed a lot since then – just call our sales office on +44(0)1636 704208 if you want to find out more!

Aerial view of Abbotts in 1933

This aerial view of our factory in 1933 shows our proximity to the East Coast Main Line. You can just about make out the sidings which ran straight into our factory! In 1941 the factory was bombed and damaged during a German raid.

Abbotts Handy Hoist advert

Whilst we have always been primarily focused on pressure vessels, we have dabbled in our fair share of side projects over the years. This is our “Handy Hoist”, part of a range of winches we sold.

A side by side comparison of an old and modern crane in Abbotts factory

Here is a side by side comparison of the old 10T crane (and Handy Hoist!) and one used in our factory today, as demonstrated by the wonderful Martin! The technology may have advanced but the basic principles are just the same.

This brief journey into the past highlights just a small fraction of Abbotts’ ever-growing history. If you want to know more about us, please visit our website or check out the August edition of Vintage Spirit magazine to see our 5 page feature!

We are very proud of our heritage and the work we have done over the last 153 years- here’s to many more!

If you want to be part of our future history, ring us on +44 1636 704208 or send an enquiry to info@abbottpressurevessels.co.uk. We’re always here to help.

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Henry
Henry Price – Chief Cook and Bottle Washer…