| AE Harris: Our History |
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 A.E.Harris & Co was established as a partnership back in 1880 between Howard.J.Luckock (grandfather of the present Chairman) and his brother-in-law, Albert.E.Harris.
The partnership was converted into a limited company in 1929.In its early days the firm manufactured fancy jewellery and
 the plant consisted of a few hand-presses and simple tool-making equipment, with these limitations the partners displayed a considerable degree of enterprise. In1887, Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated, and the firm produced for the occasion a commemorative medal in the form of a Maltese cross. The oval centre held a photograph of Her Majesty, with heraldic designs on the four quarters, and on the reverse side a verse from the National Anthem. The success of this novelty was such that many thousands were sold showing a profit of £2,000 which is the equivalent to about £60,000 today. A remarkable achievement with the limited plant and space available.
1889, saw the purchase of a factory in Camden Street, Hockley, and in 1893 another medallion was produced to commemorate the marriage of the Duke of York to Princess May, (Future King George V and Queen Mary) on 6th July 1893.
In 1910 an extension was added to the Camden Street factory and this served the business until 1964, when a move was made to the present site in Northwood Street. The original works were 128-138 Northwood Street, but due to acquisition, the company now owns the whole of the top end of Northwood Street, west of James Street. At he end of the second world war steps were taken to modernise and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by industry. In 1978 R.G.Luckock became Managing Director, this change led to further expansion and development. Heavier presses were installed together with ancilliary equipment. In 1982 the company opened a new toolroom, and in 1987 a machine shop. It has always been company policy to undertake orders of any size. Consequently, the company now has well over a thousand customers, from small businesses to large undertakings of international repute.
The company now offers a Total Engineering Package with Press capacity up to 500 tons, CNC Machining, Tube Forming, Laser cutting and Welded Fabrications.
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