Our history spans more than 170 years of continuous innovation, manufacturing and technical development. From our beginnings as suppliers of agricultural equipment to local farmers, to delivering equipment to over 85 countries, Gilkes has grown through generations of engineering knowledge.
The business has operated from the same site in Kendal, on the edge of the Lake District, since 1856 and has remained under the same basic ownership since 1881. With just nine Chairmen and a small number of Managing Directors over that time, the company reflects a culture of stability, long-term thinking and strong values.
This timeline charts the milestones that have shaped Gilkes, from its origins to its position today as a recognised global supplier of hydropower and engine cooling solutions.
Williamson Brothers
1819
KENDAL TO LANCASTER CANAL OPENS
Creating an ideal foundry location.
1853
AGRICULTURAL ERA WILLIAMSON BROTHERS
Williamson Brothers founded 1853.
1856
WILLIAMSON BROTHERS MOVE TO CANAL HEAD
1856
VORTEX TURBINE DESIGNED BY PROF. THOMSON
Williamson Brothers acquire the rights to Professor Thomson’s Patent Vortex turbine. The first Vortex turbine is installed at James Cropper’s paper mill, at Cowan Head near Kendal.
1860s
WILLIAMSON BROTHERS START MAKING PUMPS
Some are used in building the Suez Canal.
1878
FIRST HOUSE IN THE WORLD LIT BY HYDROPOWER
Cragside, Northumberland. Now a National Trust Property. Lord Armstrong ordered a Williamson Brothers Vortex Turbine.
Gilbert Gilkes
1881
GILBERT GILKES ACQUIRES WILLIAMSON BROTHERS
Gilbert Gilkes & Co is formed.
1897
FIRST TURBINE INSTALLED AT BALMORAL
The entry in Gilkes original ledger for Queen Victoria’s order for Balmoral highlighted in red.
1919
THE TURGO IMPULSE TURBINE IS INVENTED BY ERIC CREWDSON
A patent for the Turgo Turbine was granted in the same year.
Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon
1928
GILKES ACQUIRES JAMES GORDON & CO
1932
SELF PRIMING PUMP, INVENTED BY ERIC CREWDSON
A patent for the pump was granted in the same year.
1935
Gilkes install new water turbine test facility
Allowing turbines to be tested at the factory for the first time.
1940
GILKES PUMPS SUPPLIED TO GARDNER DIESELS
Gardner were the first diesel engine builders to use Gilkes self priming cooling pumps for marine applications.
1948
NEW FACTORY
A major investment including purchase of the disused canal basin enabled the building of the new factory.
1952
PELTON TURBINES FOR ENGLISH ELECTRIC
In 1952 Gilkes stretched their manufacturing technology to build two 18.5MW Pelton Turbines for English Electric to be exported to Australia.
1969
THE QUEEN’S AWARD TO INDUSTRY (EXPORT)
1972
PUMPS SUPPLIED TO CATERPILLAR
The “M” (metric) Series marine cooling pump was introduced in 1972 and adopted by Caterpillar thereafter.
1978
GILKES INC BEGINS OPERATION IN TEXAS, USA
Gilkes begin supporting the refinery industry in Texas, from a small space in the unair-conditioned building!
1981
HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OF KENT VISITS – CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF THE COMPANY
1983
TWIN JET TURGO INTRODUCED
The first twin jet Turgo turbine was designed and delivered to Peru in 1983. The 20” machine was built and delivered to Compania Minera Atacocha with a power output of 1260kW.
1985
FIRST VERTICAL 4 JET PELTON
The first 4-jet Pelton turbine was manufactured for the Hatchet Creek project in the USA, with a power output of 7.3MW.
1988
ISO 9001 QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARD ACHIEVED
1995-1999
THREE NEW TURBINES INSTALLED AT KINLOCHLEVEN (10.2MW), THE FORMER ALUMINIUM SMELTER IN SCOTLAND
Three 10.2MW Francis turbines are installed at Kinlochleven, the former aluminium smelter site where Gilkes had previously supplied a 1.2MW Turgo turbine [1968].
1998
HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH VISITS TO OPEN NEW RECEPTION
2003
ISO / TS16949 QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARD ACHIEVED
2005
GILKES PUMPS USED ON LOCOMOTIVES
2009
GILKES INC NEW FACTORY OPENED IN TEXAS
Within a few miles of the 1978 premises.
2010
THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR EXPORT (INTERNATIONAL TRADE CATEGORY)
2010
GILKES ENERGY FOUNDED
Gilkes Energy Subsidiary founded to develop, design, build and operate hydroelectric schemes.
2014
INSTALLATION STARTS ON GILKES’ LARGEST OVERSEAS HYDRO PROJECT
21MW Expansion of Blue Lake Hydropower Plant at City Of Sitka, Alaska.
2015
GILKES DELIVERS ITS 150,000TH ENGINE COOLING PUMP
2016
COMPANY MOVES INTO NEW OFFICES AND OPENS TECHNICAL CENTRE
Expansion and Refurbishment of Offices, Factory and Test Facility at the Canal Head Site.
2018
OVER 6800 TURBINES EXPORTED WORLDWIDE
2018
OLIVER WIGHT CLASS A AWARD
Gilkes successfully achieve Class A performance in Planning and Control and continues to establish itself as a leader in its field.
2019
100 YEARS OF THE TURGO
Gilkes Original Design Turgo Turbine makes its Centenary Year! 100 years later and the Turgo maintains its place as one of the most popular hydropower turbine designs, testament to the longevity of the original design and technology.
2022
CUMMINS DELIVERY AND DIRECT SOURCING AWARD
Gilkes are recognised with a “Best Delivery Performance – Direct Sourcing Award” from Cummins. The award, for performance in 2022, is in recognition of the partnership and dedication the Gilkes team have shown towards Cummins.
2023
CATERPILLAR SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD
Gilkes Inc, Texas receive recognition for 100% on time delivery of remanufactured pumps.
2023
BHA HISTORIC RENOVATION AWARD
Gilkes win the British Hydropower Associations Historic Renovation Award for work on the New Lanark Mills hydropower refurbishment project in Glasgow.
This award showcases the exceptional efforts in restoring and revitalizing historical hydropower sites.
