Rubery Owen Holdings Ltd

Notes:

Established 1884 by John Rubery and his brothers to make light steel constructions at Victoria Works, Darlaston. Over the years the firm manufactured a vast and ever-changing range of fabricated metal products. By 1903 known as Rubery, Owen & Co after Alfred Owen, d1929, joined the partnership. From 1910 Alfred Owen was sole owner of business. By 1912 had five divisions: structural products - roofs, bridges, tramway depots, aeroplane sheds, colliery structures, etc; fences, railings, balustrades, signs; chassis and pressed steel parts for motor vehicles, later wheels; excavating machinery, conveyors, etc; aircraft parts. From 1929 business reorganised and incorporated in early 1930s as Rubery, Owen & Co Ltd. From now business led by (Sir) Alfred Owen and Ernest Owen. From late 1930s to c1945 also made armoured plate products and airframes. By 1950s had major interests in motor and aircraft components, fasteners, forklift trucks, office furniture, etc. 1951 the Owen family established the Owen Organisation to hold their business interests outside Rubery, Owen. 1966 Rubery, Owen restructured as a holding company. Retrenched from 1970s, closing major plant at Darlaston 1981. Continues as a property and investment business with some independent subsidiaries