Henry Pilling (MBE) was born in Bolton, 1867, the son of William Pilling, millwright. He was apprenticed to John Musgrave and Sons Ltd, Bolton and went to work for the National Boiler and General Insurance Co Ltd, Manchester. He worked for a short period with the Blackburn firm of Yates and Thom Ltd before he was appointed General Manager of Galloways Ltd.

Whilst at Galloways, as well as being involved with the design and production of engines, he was also involved with various professional bodies. In 1916 he became a member of the executive committee of the Manchester and District Engineering Employers’ Federation before becoming President in 1928. He was also elected President of the Manchester Association of Engineers, 1920-1921, and was awarded an M.B.E..

He died in 1931.