
1921
The first 900 open framed 22" petrol powered lawnmowers
were launched. These heavy machines were sold at £75 each
by salesmen using a specially modified motor cycle and sidecar
combination.
1922
Nationwide network of Service Agents was set up following the
successful launch - the first such company to do this.
1926-1935
The Atco standard range was launched using a malleable iron
cast chassis (produced by Qualcast).
1935
Steel chassis was introduced, reducing prices such that medium
weight machines were now retailing at under £15.
1939
Atco training car was launched in July to improve road safety
awareness through schools and colleges. Following the outbreak
of World War II, production was halted after 250 had been sold.
1939-1945
100,000 sq. ft. of floor space at the Birmingham site was given
over to munitions production. The contribution to the war effort
was highly commended by the Ministries concerned.
1946-1950
Under peace time normality, the Birmingham sites grew four-fold.
Full time mower production and servicing heralded the beginning
of a 'boom' period for domestic lawnmower manufacturers.
1951
By this time, several types of product from powered auto scythes
to boat impellers had been introduced. The latter found extensive
sales opportunities in the marsh-lands of the Far East.
1955
Royal warrant was granted by Queen Elizabeth II.
1965
Charles H Pugh Ltd. became part of the Qualcast Group.
1964
Atco Royale, a prestigious sit behind lawnmower, was introduced.
1975
Lawnmower production moved from the West Midlands to the Stowmarket
site of Suffolk Iron Foundry (1920) Ltd.
The Birmingham site became the spare parts centre for the entire
Qualcast organisation in the UK and was later renamed Serpar.
1981
In the early hours of November 5th a fire destroyed the old
Charles H Pugh site and stock, resulting in its complete closure
and move to East Anglia as Atco Ltd.
1984
Webb (mowers & cycles) was acquired by Atco.
1986
A second Royal warrant by HRH Prince of Wales was added to the
portfolio.
1988
The entire Group was acquired by Blue Circle Industries and
foundry divisions were sold off.
1991
All manufacturing operations were transferred to Stowmarket
and the consolidated company was renamed Atco-Qualcast Ltd.
1992
Successful Management buy-out of Atco-Qualcast Ltd. heralded
a new beginning.
1995
The new company was acquired by Robert Bosch GmbH.
Atco Royale rose appeared at the Chelsea flower show to celebrate
30 years production.
1996
Atco's 75th anniversary year saw the launch of QX, the innovative
Quick Exchange cassette system.