Spectris Plc.

• Public
• UK

Dow Jones Description

Spectris, the specialist technology-based instrumentation and electronic controls company, changed its name from Fairey Group in May 2001, marking the transformation of the business from UK aviation and engineering to a provider of innovative technology for the improvement of customers' performance worldwide. The company was founded by Sir Richard Fairey in 1915 as the Fairey Aviation Company Ltd. Initially recognised as a manufacturer of seaplanes, the company achieved renown during the 1930s and 1940s with its aircraft. Following the rationalisation of the aviation industry in the 1950s, the company diversified and established its non-aviation engineering capabilities in areas such as marine, energy and filtration. During the 1980s, the focus was on high technology businesses such as electronics and systems engineering. 1987 saw a management buy-out from Pearson, and the company was listed on the Stock Exchange in 1988. During the 1990s, the company concentrated on building its electronics sector, acquiring a number of companies and disposing of the electrical insulator and hydraulic actuator businesses. In 1997, the company acquired Burnfield, of which Malvern was the most significant company. Servomex plc was acquired in 1999. ...

Number of Employees 5,577

Contact Information

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