Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Coventry Machinists Co Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • European Sewing Machine Co Ltd
  • Coventry Sewing Machine Co Ltd
  • Starkey, James
  • Swift Cycle Co Ltd

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • Coventry, Coventry, West Midlands, West Midlands, England

Sectors:

  • Transport equipment production Bicycle & components production
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Electrical & non electrical appliances inc sewing machines, etc, production
  • Transport equipment production Motor vehicle production
  • Transport equipment production Motorcycle & components production
  • Mechanical engineering Textile & wearing apparel making machinery production

Notes:

Traced origins to European Sewing Machine Co Ltd established in the early 1860s to make sewing machines. Reconstructed 1867 as Coventry Sewing Machine Co Ltd which was renamed Coventry Machinists' Co Ltd in 1869 to reflect diversification into bicycle manufacture. James Starkey was important in its affairs until leaving in 1870s to form Smith & Starley. Renamed Swift Cycle Co Ltd in 1896 and thereafter diversified into motor car and motorcycle production. Closed c1930

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