We are delighted to be celebrating 150 years of trading for Morgan Rushworth this year. Selmach are proud to be suppliers of the longest established metal fabrication machinery in the UK.
Building on our Heritage for the future
From humble beginnings in 1872. With the opening of the Rushworth factory in Sowerby Bridge, manufacturing plate working machinery, and the establishment of Morgan and Co in 1906 as a manufacture of manual sheet metal machines. Morgan Rushworth has since become a leading supplier of high quality, high performance, specialist sheet metal and fabrication machinery. Built to exacting specifications and standards.
Top class machinery, combined with outstanding customer service and a warranty-backed product support package. This has made Morgan Rushworth the machine partner of choice for metal fabrication, engineering and manufacturing businesses across the UK.
And a big 150th anniversary thank you to all our customers who have bought a Morgan Rushworth machine. We appreciate your business and look forward to supporting you for many years to come.
Our range of Morgan Rushworth machinery covers the whole spectrum of sheet metal and plate metal machining and fabrication, and includes the following range;
Morgan Rushworth has an enviable heritage
The Morgan Rushworth name has always stood for excellence. 150 years on from the establishment of Rushworth and Co, Morgan Rushworth continues to set new standards in the metal fabrication industry.
From the belt driven section rolling machines of the 1870s to the state-of-the-art fully-programmable fibre laser cutters of today. Morgan Rushworth continues to build on it’s heritage and values. Ensuring our customers’ operations run productively free of concerns over downtime or service issues, day in and day out.
1872
RUSHWORTH & CO ESTABLISHED
In 1872 the Rushworth factory in Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire, England began manufacturing plate working machinery.
1906
A.J.MORGAN & SONS ESTABLISHED
In 1906 in a small workshop in the West Midlands, the Morgan factory started manufacturing manual sheet metal machines.
1930s
THE MORGAN COMPANY EXPANDS
During the thirties, the Morgan Company commenced a long association with the MOD, and due to increased demand moved to larger premises in Lye. Here is where the overcrank mechanical guillotine shear was developed. During the forties and fifties this was replaced with a undercrank design.
1940s
RUSHWORTH & COMPANY HELP THE WAR EFFORT
Rushworth & Company manufactured special bending rolls for the production of Anderson shelters used widely during the Blitz in World War II.
1950s
CONTINUING INNOVATION
Continuing their commitment to innovation, the Morgan overcrank mechanical guillotine shear developed in the 1930s were replaced with an undercrank design. Furthermore, the advent of better hydraulics and computer controls led to the production of their first hydraulic machines. Rushworth & Co were already participating in major exhibitions by this period.
1960s
BOTH COMPANIES CONTINUE TO GROW
In 1960 further expansion took place with the purchase of the Providence St. Works, Lye, which became the Morgan Company home for nearly half a century. Production included a full range of manual and powered box and pan folders, bending rolls, guillotine shears and press brakes. Meanwhile the Rushworth Company steadily grew with a program of continuous improvement, concentrating on large capacity bending rolls and shears.
1970s
JOINING FORCES
In 1972, the two companies merged to create Morgan Rushworth. A name that has become synonymous with the production of reliable, world-class sheet and plate machinery. Including their renowned sheet bending rolls and press brakes.
1980s-90s
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
The 1980s and 1990s were a period of consolidation with all production centralised in Lye. A new range of hydraulic machines was introduced, including the HBP folders still manufactured and in use throughout the world today.
2008
AN EXCITING FUTURE
In June 2008, the company was acquired by the UK Machinery Group. With a commitment to continue in the passionate development of traditionally high quality, and reliable machines that have become synonymous with Morgan Rushworth.
2022
150 YEARS
Celebrating 150 years of trading in 2022, Morgan Rushworth continues to expand. Adding the latest state-of-the-art machinery to the range, maintaining the highest levels of customer service. Marking the start of the anniversary year with a new look website and logo.
Published 3rd February 2022