Avro Early Investors - Crossley Motors

1910s 1920s 1930s

The story of Crossley's began in 1867 when brothers Francis (Frank) and William bought the J M Dunlop business of Great Marlborough Street Manchester to manufacture pumps, presses, and small steam engines. In 1882, as the business expanded, they moved to larger premises in Pottery Lane, Openshaw.

By 1900 petrol engines were also being produced which were supplied to car and bus manufacturers. Around this time a Henry Ford visit to Pottery Lane influenced the use of the more efficient assembly line production methods. By 1907 Crossley Motors Ltd were making their own cars and moved to a larger site in Napier St. Gorton, which was renamed Crossley St.

(Monochrome Photograph Left) - Heaton Chapel factory
(Monochrome Photographs Right) - Frank & William Crossley

The brothers were committed Christians and adopted the Coptic cross as their company emblem. They were heavily involved with philanthropic causes and instrumental in the creation of the Together Trust which still exists today.

During WW1 Crossley's were also producing Beardmore 160hp and Bentley BR2 Rotary aircraft engines in addition to cars and military vehicles. In 1915 Errwood Park Works factory was opened at Heaton Chapel. The western half of the site, built in 1917, became National Aircraft Factory No.2 but managed by Crossley.

In 1919, this factory was bought from the government and became the Willys Overland Crossley plant. From 1920 until 1928 Crossley's were a majority shareholder of Avro the site was sold to Fairey Aviation in 1934.

For more information on the Crossley family and the ir involvement in Aviation scan the QR code.