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THE
HISTORY OF AUTOPROP
Autoprop
was designed and developed by Brunton's propellers. It is one of
many specialized propeller designs produced by them. Originally
established in 1868 as millwrights and agricultural engineers, Brunton's
entry into propeller manufacturing began in 1908 as a result of
the interest of one of their apprentices. This pointed the way to
the Company's future.
The
outbreak of the 1914-18 War and the increased demand from the Admiralty,
really established the Company in the marine world. Succeeding years
saw Brunton's reputation and fortunes grow and in 1958 we joined
forces with Stone Manganese Marine Ltd, manufacturers of the world's
largest propellers for ships. This gave Brunton's access to a uniquely
high level of specialist skills in metallurgy and marine technology.
At
the same time, development of small, high-speed diesel engines brought
about the demand for a more critical approach to the design of small
ship's propellers, requiring them to be accurately matched to specifications
of engine and hull for differing classes of vessel. Brunton's adapted
to meet that demand, and our ability in that area is still an important
and widely respected feature of the Company.
Over
the last 10 years Brunton's have invested considerable research
and development into the field of close tolerance propellers for
fast patrol boats. This work has resulted in the Company becoming
a major supplier to Naval, Coastguard, Customs and Police authorities
worldwide.
Today,
together with SMM Ltd., Brunton's forms an integral part of the
largest group of specialist propeller manufacturers in the world
- Langham Industries Ltd. Our long success, producing fixed pitch
propellers up to 3m diameter, has owed much to the continuation
of our original founder's aims of quality and craftsmanship; maintaining
an enviable reputation for propellers and sterngear for vessels
of all types. The addition of the Autoprop to the current range
of products will ensure that the tradition of excellence that has
been built up will be perpetuated.
The
Autoprop was first introduced into the European market in 1987.
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