Renishaw, a global engineering technology company, is marking its 50th anniversary with a series of global activities. The company was founded on April 4, 1973, by Sir David McMurtry, who invented a touch-trigger probe that solved a dimensional measurement problem faced by Rolls-Royce when manufacturing the Olympus engines that powered the supersonic Concorde aircraft. Rolls-Royce agreed to license the patent to McMurtry and his colleague, John Deer, now Renishaw’s Non-executive Deputy Chairman, but would only do so if they had a limited liability company. Thus, Renishaw Electrical Ltd was registered.
The company will mark the anniversary with a year of global activities, including open house events at its largest sites, family days for employees, and a ‘50 at 50’ charity initiative that will see £150,000 donated to 50 not-for-profit organizations in the 36 countries where it has offices.
Renishaw is a technology leader in the field of metal additive manufacturing (3D printing), supplying a wide range of metrology systems for calibration, position feedback and gauging, plus associated accessories including styli and fixturing. Over the past 50 years, Renishaw’s products have revolutionized key aspects of component manufacturing and scientific research, contributing to the ability to make high-performing, precision products that are used in our daily lives.
Today, the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE 250 index, with a current valuation of around £3 billion. It employs 5,200 employees in 36 countries, including 3,400 staff at its sites in the UK, primarily in Gloucestershire and South Wales.
Renishaw’s CEO, Will Lee, says the company’s formula for success remains investing heavily in research and development, a commitment to high-quality in-house manufacturing, and a focus on excellent local customer service and support. Lee also thanked Renishaw’s customers and suppliers, many of whom the company has had close relationships with for most of its history.