The English Electric Co., Stafford

Description:Apprentices and trainees are pictured posing for the photographer as they take part in this scene for the Stafford Pageant. Many of the apprentices are dressed as devils with one on the front row holding a small coffin. In the centre on the platform ‘Adolf Hitler’ and his Second World War ally ‘Benito Mussolini’ shake hands in front of a brazier. This scene suggests that they are going or have gone to hell. Over the years the English Electric Co. and its employees took part in many of the town's carnival and pageant processions. The English Electric Co. in Stafford was renowned for its electrical products including generators, transformers and switchgear.

Siemens Brothers purchased the land in 1901 and built the factory and offices which were ready to start production in 1903. In 1918 Siemens merged with several companies, including Dick, Kerr and Co., to become the English Electric Co. Two years later in 1920, The English Electric Co bought the Stafford Works. The English Electric Co merged with GEC (The General Electric Company) during 1968 and the Lichfield Road Site became part of GEC Power Engineering Ltd. On 22 March 1989 became part of GEC ALSTHOM, an Anglo French Joint Venture. On 22 June 1998 became part of ALSTOM with global HQ in Paris and to date (May 2015) continues to be part of the ALSTOM Group.