Description:A view of the GE (General Electric) Vernova Transformer Offices being demolished and heavy duty high-reach equipment moving some of the rubble. This demolition was to make way for the expansion of manufacturing facilities and the building of a new HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) Test facility.
In earlier years, during the ownership of the English Electric Co. in Stafford, Transformers had been built for many years on the former adjacent ‘Main works’ site, however, at that time due to the rapid development of transformers a new Transformer Works was required. The planning for this began in 1955, building started in August 1957 and by November 1958 occupation began. The new factory covered around 245,000 sq. feet and cost £2 million to build and £1 million to equip. In addition, a 40,000 sq. ft. four floor office block accommodating transformer design and commercial staff was built.
Between 2006 and 2021 a large part of the former Main Works site on Lichfield Road was demolished and redeveloped as a retail park and a housing development. However, on a separate but neighbouring site the Transformer Works remains and is still operational (July 2025) as part of the GE Vernova group.
Additional information on the Lichfield Road site: Over the years the Stafford Works was renowned for its electrical equipment products including generators, transformers and switchgear. Siemens Brothers purchased land by the Lichfield Road in 1901 and built a 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 this in turn became part of ALSTOM with global HQ in Paris and on 2 November 2015 the Stafford Grid and Power Businesses became part of GE (General Electric, an American Company).