Chronology

1904
Bergius Car & Engine Company founded. Premises at Finnieston Street.
1905
First reliable car completed, 3 more planned.
1906
Installation of car engine in 23 foot rowing gig, leading to success of 'Kelvin' and beginning
of marine engine manufacture. End of car manufacturing.
1907
Sailing fishing boat fitted with Kelvin engine.
1908
First specifically marine engine.
1910
Exporting Marine Engines worldwide. Company changed name to the
Bergius Launch and Engine Company with new factory at Dobbies Loan.
Annual output 700 engines.
1913
Suppliers to Admiralty, Scottish Fishery Board, Mersey Harbour Board,
Northern Lighthouse Board, as well as Turkish, Portuguese, Egyptian and
Russian governments.
1914-18
Major success in Mesopotamian campaign.
1930's
Kelvin Ricardo Petrol/Paraffin Engines (types E, F & G) and Kelvin
Diesel Engines (types J & K) launched.
1939
Manufacturing diesel as well as Petrol/Paraffin Engines.
1939-45
Replacement of Petrol/Paraffin Engines by diesel as main product.
Success in small boat raids on Lofoten Islands.
1949
Death of Walter Bergius (founder), major shareholding purchased by
Brush- ABOE Group (part of Hawker-Siddeley Ltd.).
1961
Changed nameto Berguis-Kelvin Co. Ltd., quoted on Glasgow and
London Stock Exchanges.
1963
Purchased Glennifer Engines, Anniesland.
1966
Purchased by Ruston & Hornsby Ltd., themselves subsequently purchased
by English Electric.
1968
English Electric merged with General Electric Co., formed Diesel Group,
including Dorman, Paxman & Ruston.
1983
All production concentrated at Kyle St. under GEC Alsthom.
1994
Purchased by Lincoln Diesels.
Moved to Uddingston.
1998
Purchased by Toddie & Carlisle Ltd.
2000
Purchased by British Polar Engines Ltd. Engine production moved to
Helen Street in Glasgow