Whippendell Marine can trace its history back over 120 years to the early days of electro-mechanical technology.
Over the years the Company has been an innovator of products for the controls industry and its equipment and systems can be found in a broad range of industrial applications across the globe.
Today Whippendell Marine can draw on its vast experience in electrical engineering and continues to employ the latest technology in its solutions.
Operating from a modern, purpose designed factory in Milton Keynes we provide a wide range of solutions and products, from ruggedised enclosures, to control systems and motor starters.
Our capabilities include design, manufacturing, servicing and technical support.
Our Executive Leadership Team
An experienced electrical engineer, David was trained by Plessey in the 1980’s and got his degree from the University of Manchester before embarking on a career in control and automation. In 1990 David joined Whippendell working on various projects and gaining significant experience of UK Navy platforms and the operation of the Ministry of Defence. In 1996 David took over as Managing Director. He has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience in deploying power and control solutions for naval and other applications. David leads our engineering team, with extensive knowledge in electrical power, mechanical design and plc programming.
Farrell has a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineer from Nottingham Trent University and a Masters in International Defence Marketing from Cranfield. He is also a chartered engineer. In the mid 1980’s he embarked on a career within British Aerospace Military Aircraft and later BAE Systems. In 2007 he joined VT Naval Support as Head of Business Development and then in late 2009 he returned to BAE Systems Surface Ships as Head of International Market Development. In late 2012 he joined IMES Group as Head of Defence and Industrial before joining Whippendell in 2016. Farrell brings significant experience in business development and contract management.
Graduated in Electronic Engineering from the University of London, Simon started out in electronic design and later managing electronic repair and servicing operations. By the early 2000s Simon had a contract to operate the entire BT out of warranty service, managing a call centre and repair operation with sixty staff. In 2006 he designed a range of digital camera products, establishing manufacturing facilities in China and developing distribution channels across the UK and USA. In 2019 he joined Whippendell, bringing experience in mass production, product development, quality control and operational management.
Company Timeline
Thomas Kesnor & Co Ltd., founded in Fulham, London
Begin design and manufacture of electo-mechanical controls, such as the Kesnor Patent Elevator Controller, as well as equipment for The British Tabulating Machine Company.
The Company moves to a purpose built site on Whippendell Road, Watford where it stayed until 2019.
The Company changes its name to the Watford Electric & Manufacturing Company Limited as a consequences of its concentration on Automatic Switchgear.
The 1930’s saw rapid growth with the development of many patents for motor starters, such as the Eddy Drag Retarding Device. By 1936 it was listed on the London Stock Exchange.
During WWII focus was on manufacturing for the armed forces, including electrical assemblies for the de Havilland Mosquito, and control gear for the Royal Navy.
During the 50s the Company was active in many areas of industry, including building large switchboards and motor control centres for the power generation and water treatment industries.
The Company developed a range of modern contactors and fuse switches, as well as its shockproof MCA contactor range. These are still in use today in the most demanding Naval Applications.
In 1967 the Company was bought by Harvey Hubbell Inc. of the United States for it’s range of standard control products such as the UCA contactors and the UFS fuse switches.
A management buy out of the systems business created WEMCO, the Whippendell Electrical Manufacturing Company which focused on Naval and Mercantile Marine applications.
The business switched more to Naval and Marine applications and the Company won contracts on the Trafalgar Class and Vanguard Class nuclear submarine programmes.
Acquired The Electrical Apparatus Company (UK) Ltd., which helped expand the company portfolio into embarked aviation ground power systems.
Development of the latest ground power control system was completed and an MoD contract awarded to supply a capability upgrade to HMS Invincible, followed by HMS Illustrious.
The Acquisition of RAMAC Engineering Ltd. confirmed the Company’s position as world leaders and supplier of aviation ground power.
The Electrical Apparatus Company is renamed Whippendell Marine and the naval and marine operations of all the businesses are brought under one company.
Support business expanded and a contract awarded to support aviation ground power across the UK RN and RFA fleet. Selected to supply the aviation system for the new MARS fleet tankers.
Whippendell Marine is awarded Supplier of the Year by BAE Systems Marine Submarine Solutions for its work on the Astute programme.
After 107 years in Watford Whippendell Marine moves to new premises in Milton Keynes, providing a modern manufacturing facility in a greener and more secure building.