About Us : Company Info

1903 –

the first facility in Fraserburgh

A new 25,000sq ft facility is built in Fraserburgh to manufacture the CP ‘Boyer’ and ‘Little Giant’ range of percussive tools.

1923 –

transatlantic links are established

CP becomes an agent and distributor for The Duff Manufacturing Company of Pittsburgh for its range of lifting jacks used extensively alongside CP’s products in mining, ship-building, railways and construction.

1928 –

a landmark merger

The Duff Manufacturing Company merges with A.O. Norton of Illinois to become the Duff-Norton Manufacturing Company. CP tools and Duff-Norton jacks are subsequently used in the construction of many notable projects including the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Cunard White Star Liners, the Golden Gate Bridge, Hoover Dam, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Empire State Building.

1940s –

key support for the war effort

The factory plays an important role in both world wars, particularly during the second when pneumatic tools are manufactured for use in shipbuilding, aircraft construction and munitions. The breech mechanism for the famous Bofors anti-aircraft gun and the fuel pump and booster for the equally famous Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine, which powers the Spitfire aircraft, are top priority features of the factory production. One CP tool becomes part of an icon symbolising courage during the war. ‘Rosie the Riviter’ by Norman Rockwell features a young woman eating her lunch with a CP riveting hammer on her lap (the painting last sold for $5million).

1960s –

a major employer – and a growing product portfolio

The plant employs over 1,000 people on a 200,000sq ft 15-acre site. An additional 160,000sq ft factory had opened in 1952 in Aberdeen employing an additional 550. The product ranges comprise compressors, industrial pneumatic tools and automotive tools.

1970s –

entering the metric age

Although screw jacks are a relatively small part of the CP business, demand is such that a metric range is designed, developed and manufactured in Fraserburgh specifically for the European market.

1981 –

setback in the city

Recession, inflation and industrial disputes hit the CP business and the Aberdeen plant closes.

1987 –

takeover on the agenda

CP Group sales still exceeded $200 million but the company is subject to an aggressive take-over by the Danaher Corporation in 1984. It is sold on again to competitor Atlas Copco.

1987 –

Power Jacks emerges

Power Jacks Ltd is created with screw jacks, linear actuators and mechanical jacks at the centre of the business, together with some CP tools for the US market. Power Jacks continue to design and manufacture Duff-Norton products under a new licence as part of their product portfolio. Power Jacks is the UK’s largest manufacturer of screw jacks.

1993 –

end of one era; start of another

Tool production ceases after 90 years and the company's efforts are concentrated on screw jacks and linear motion products.

2002 –

on the acquisition trail

Power Jacks acquires its main UK competitor Precision Actuation Systems (PAS) for screw jacks and linear actuators. This acquisition expands both product offerings and global sales network.

Fortune Engineering (in same group of companies as PAS) are also acquired with PAS. The screw jack and linear actuators designs they manufactured strengthens Power Jacks core product range.

Neeter Drive Ltd who are the UK’s largest manufacturer of right angled spiral bevel gearboxes are acquired to expand the product portfolio while increasing the number of products manufactured for jacking systems.

Later in the same year Power Jacks acquire Youngs Lifting one of the leading British designers and manufacturers of mechanical and hydraulic jacking systems.

2003 –

Global Expansion

As Power Jacks global sales expands a licensing agreement with Duff-Norton, which had been in existence for 80 years, ends in favour of reciprocal distribution agreements. Duff-Norton is now one of the many companies Power Jacks supplies products to in over 60 countries worldwide.

2009 –

china office opens

Power Jacks opens it's official representative office in Shanghai, China, located in the prestigious Jinmao Tower.

2010 –

Power Jacks Wins Queen’s Award for International Trade

Power Jacks is honoured with a Queen’s Award for Business Enterprise. The internationally-recognised awards are the UK’s most prestigious accolades for business performance. Power Jacks’ award marks the company’s considerable global growth with overseas sales increasing by 246%.

2011 –

New Ellon Headquarters open for business

Power Jacks is entering a new era as we complete the move to our new multi-million pound headquarters. The relocation to the large, modern, purpose-built headquarters has been driven by our commitment to realise our global growth potential in the long-term.