History
In 1898, Tomlinson Bros was founded as an engineering company in Perth by Ernest and Edward Tomlinson. [1] In 1951 the company was floated on the Perth Stock Exchange. [2] [3] A new factory in Welshpool opened in the 1950s. [4]
After an unsuccessful takeover offer from Clyde Engineering in 1964, Tomlinson entered an agreement to produce AE Goodwin and AG Healing products under licence. [5] [6] The same year, the company's foundry in Lord Street, Perth closed after it decided to cease casting activities. [7]
In 1981, Clyde Engineering that already held a 63% shareholding, launched a successful takeover bid. [8] [9] In 1985 with a lack of work, Clyde proposed to close the business, however it was rescued in a management buyout. [10] In December 1996 RCR Engineering and Tomlinson Bros merged to form RCR Tomlinson. [3]
In the 2000s, it diversified into solar power projects. [11]
In 2012 the Norfolk Group of companies including O'Donnell Griffin, Hadens and Resolve Facilities Management was purchased.. [12] In 2015 the construction division of the Water Corporation was acquired. [13] [14]
In November 2018, RCR Tomlinson was placed in voluntary administration. [15] [16] [17] The collapse came just three months after it had received a $100 million capital injection. [11]
The O'Donnell Griffin rail business was sold to John Holland. [18] RCR Boilers and RCR Energy Services were sold to The Environmental Group. [19]
The Metalbilt and Danks doors businesses were sold to the ARA Group. [20] RCR Laser was sold to Wangara Business. [21] NRW Holdings acquired RCR Mining Technologies. [22] The RCR Energy New Zealand boiler products division was sold to Windsor Engineering Group. [23]
In March 2019, RCR Tomlinson was placed in liquidation. [24] [25]