Brands
Today, FKI Switchgear incorporates the following brands:
South Wales Switchgear
Formed in 1941 in Treforest, South Wales, South Wales Switchgear led the way in exploiting SF6 gas as a medium of interruption and insulation. Traditionally, South Wales Switchgear were involved in the design and manufacture of 11kV – 33kV switchgear and DC type switchgear for naval projects.
Brush Switchgear
Charles Francis Brush established the Brush Electrical Engineering Company in 1888 and were the pioneers behind the development of Vacuum Switchgear. In the last 20 years, successes have included the first Vacuum Switchgear Circuit Breaker (FV and OFV) in Europe and India, and the world’s first Ring Main Unit (Falcon Beta).
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Ltd
In 1991, South Wales Switchgear merged with Brush Switchgear to form Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Ltd. Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Ltd was then acquired by FKI plc in November 1996.
The decision was taken to relocate the company to the present Blackwood site and create a Centre of Excellence for the manufacture of MV Distribution Switchgear.
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Pty Australia (HSSA)
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Pty Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Ltd. Been in operation in Australia since 1964, HSSA has developed extensive experience in the field of medium voltage switchgear with their manufacturing facility based at Narangba, Brisbane.
Whipp & Bourne
Established in 1903, Whipp & Bourne has long been a leader in heavy-duty electrical switchgear, introducing arc and oil circuit breakers in 1908 and 1909 respectively. In 1975 the company launched its vacuum insulated switchgear and was acquired by Babcock International Limited. In 1987, Whipp & Bourne became part of FKI plc.