Davis of Derby
John Davis started out as a travelling scientific equipment maker in around 1830. In 1844, he made Derby his permanent base after having spent several years in Cheltenham. at this time, he produced microscopes, telescopes, barometers and miners lamps including Davy, Clanny and Upton lamps. The company worked with mining inventors such as Biram and Hedley.
In 1873, John died aged 63 and his son Henry took over the business retaining the name John Davis and Son. By the late 1870s, the business had expanded into electrical items including signalling and lighting. In 1909, Henry retired, handing the reins to his son Wilfred. By the early 1960s, the product range had expanded into communications and remote control.
Today, Davis Derby Ltd is a global supplier of telemetry, computer based control and monitoring systems and access control systems for use in underground coalmines.
