R.W. Crabtree & Sons Ltd.

R. W. Crabtree & Sons Ltd. has its origins in Crabtree and Horsfield which was established in 1895, founded by Richard Wadsworth Crabtree and Alfred Horsfield in Huddersfield. This business ceased in 1907, and Crabtree continued with plans to design and build a newspaper press. During WWI business plans changed to produce munitions and it became necessary to extend the works. In 1916 Water Lane works open and extended in 1917. After the War newspaper printing machines resumed in production and more buildings were erected. R.W. Crabtree & Sons became a public company in 1920, the same year the first press was produced.

In 1938 the company acquired Campbells and Hunter Ltd., and R. Hoe and Co, an American owned company of London. During World War II the manufacture of all printing machines was restricted, except for those needed. A large number of lithographic machines were built for the Government for the producing of maps immediately behind the Front Line. They also produced complete tanks, tank components, guns, gun carriages, breech rings, breech blocks and aircraft parts.

In 1965 R. W. Crabtree acquired the letterpress business of Dawson, Payne and Elliott. Subsequently Crabtree was acquired by Vickers to add to its printing machinery business.