Babcock Energy Ltd (boilermakers and enginners: 1987-1995: Renfrew, Renfreshire, Scotland)

In 1856, 26-year old Stephen Wilcox of Rhode Island, USA, patented a water tube boiler that increased heating surfaces, allowed better water circulation and that was inherently safe. In 1867, he and his friend, George Babcock, established a partnership, Babcock, Wilcox & Co, to manufacture and market Wilcox's boiler. In 1881, the company was incorporated in America as The Babcock & Wilcox Company.

In 1881, the company opened a sales office in Glasgow, Scotland, and by 1883 boilers were being made by sub-contractors in Scotland. The first completely British-built Babcock boiler was manufactured for the Singer Manufacturing Co works in Kilbowie, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. A British company, Babcock & Wilcox Ltd was formed in 1891 with a capital of å£240,000 with its sphere of operation to include the world outside of the USA and Cuba that were already covered by the American company.

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