Lancashire Dynamo & Crypto

Lancashire Dynamo & Crypto manufactured dynamos, generators and electric motors in Trafford Park, Manchester. The company formed as the result of a merger in 1932 between Lancashire Dynamo and Motor Co and Crypto Electrical Company.

The Lancashire Dynamo and Motor Co was established in Trafford Park in 1899. The company manufactured its first alternator in 1901. A few years later, production of induction motors began and in 1910 the company produced the first commercial self-starting synchronous motor built in the UK, at its Trafford Park works.

The Crypto Electrical Company was formed in 1904 and commenced manufacturing small electrical motors at Tyers Gate Way, Bermondsey. Within 4 years the company had moved to larger premises before finally moving to a new site in Acton Lane, London in 1912. The Lancashire Dynamo and Motor Company and the Crypto Electrical Co Ltd first associated in 1919, but did not merge until 1932.

Lancashire Dynamo & Crypto became the parent company to a number of other small manufacturers of specialist electrical equipment became part of the group, and established new subsidiaries such as Crypto Ltd in Willesden, which manufactured food preparation machinery and equipment, and Crypto Equipment Ltd in Bridgewater, Somerset, a specialist manufacturer of static rectifiers, battery charging equipment and automobile electrical servicing equipment.

The success of the business led to the establishment of the holding company Lancashire Dynamo Holdings Ltd in 1951. Lancashire Dynamo & Crypto continued to trade as a subsidiary of the new company.

In 1960, Metal Industries acquired Lancashire Dynamo Holdings Ltd. Metal Industries was acquired by AEI in 1967 and the Trafford Park works of Lancashire Dynamo & Crypto closed.