History
Welcome to our history page, briefing you on all the major landmarks in Colchester-Harrison's illustrious history as one of the world's best renowned lathe manufacturer.
2007
- Colchester-Harrison go from strength to strength
2006
- Alpha 1550XM received the MWP award for Best Cutting Machine Tool (Turning) at the MACH 2006 exhibition, Birmingham.
2004
- Launch MultiTurn 3000 & 4000.
- Launch new range of 2, 3 & 5 axis Tornado.
2003
- Introduced MultiTurn 1000 & 2000 low cost flat bed CNC/electronic lathes.
2002
- A further addition to the driven tool ranges: Tornado 120M launched in April/May at the MACH 2002 exhibition, Birmingham.
2001
- The award winning Tornado 220M 3 axis driven tool model is launched at the EMO show, Hannover.
2000
- Alpha T and Alpha U lathes (400 to 550mm swing over bed) launched.
- Combi K range of slant bed combination / CNC lathes launched.
1999
- Alpha Plus range of manual / CNC lathes launched (300 to 800mm swing over bed).
- New heavy-duty Combi 6000 introduced.
1998
- New Tornado A Series launched.
- New Combi range of combination / CNC lathes introduced.
1997
- TS Harrison & Sons continued to develop the Alpha range with the introduction of the Alpha Plus.
1995
- Evolution of conventional lathes to heavy duty M390, M460, M550, V350, V390, V460, V550.
- Launch of ALPHA 'The Ultimate Centre Lathe'.
1994
- Introduction of the TORNADO range of low cost slant bed 2 axis CNC lathes.
- The MK 3 enhanced Trainer, with IBM controls introduced.
1993
- CE marking achieved, Slant-bed CNC TU150 range introduced.
- New Electronic Centre lathes launched at Hannover, Germany.
1992
- Introduced CSS (Constant Surface Speed) for variable speed models.
- Colchester production moved to Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire.
1991
- Introduction of V280, V330, V380, V450, V530 electronically variable speed machines.
- Quality approval to BS5750 awarded (BS EN ISO 9002).
1989
- VS and HS design combine to establish the VHS450 variable high speed CNC.
1988
- New range of lathes introduced (Variable speed, flat bed CNC and slant slide CNC machines).
- HS450 high speed CNC introduced.
1987
- Production of Trainer MK2 and VS450 variable speed CNC began.
1985
- M400 upgraded to the M450.
- M Series expanded with the introduction of the M350, M600/750.
1984
- Trainer MK1 introduced.
1982
- First CNC controls fitted to the M300, M400 and M500.
- M250 added to the geared head range.
- First range of CNC lathes introduced.
1980
- Introduction of VS330TR, a mechanically variable speed machine to toolroom specification.
1977
- Next M Series (M500) introduced.
1976
- M400 introduced.
1975
- The Colchester Lathe Company receive Queens Award to Industry for Export Achievement.
1973
- TS Harrison & Sons receive Queens Award for Export.
- The first Metric M300 produced.
1971
- The Colchester Lathe Company receive Queens Award to Industry for Export Achievement.
- TS Harrison & Sons taken over by The 600 Group.
1968
- Colchester Lathe Company open new headstock factory.
- The Colchester Lathe Company receive Queens Award to Industry.
- TS Harrison & Sons exports exceeded 40% for the first time
1967
- The Colchester Lathe Company receive Queens Award for Industry for overseas trade and technological achievement.
1962
- Elmstead Road, Colchester factory built.
1961
- TS Harrison & Sons introduced Conveyor line for final assembly (the first in the UK).
1954
- Colchester became part of the George Cohen 600 Group.
1950
- Variable speed and larger swing lathes introduced during the 1950's.
1949
- The Colchester Lathe Company became a Limited Company.
1941
- TS Harrison & Sons taken over by Brooke Tool Company for war production.
1933
- First all geared head Triumph produced.
1922
- Triumph lathe introduced (Cone Head machine with parellel split bearings).
1921
- Bantam lathe first introduced (small low cost lathe suitable for garages and small workshops).
1916
- TS Harrison & Sons became a Limited company.
1914
- Special machine introduced for the Ministry (Colchester Mascot).
- Colchester first all geared head lathes produced.
1907
- The Colchester Lathe Company registered.
1900
- First Harrison lathe produced (simple treadle machine).
1898
- TS Harrison & Sons established as textile machinery manufacturers by Thomas Strickland Harrison. Thomas Strickland Harrison opened a small repair shop, powered by steam, with his sons Tom and John in 1898.
1887
- The Colchester Lathe Company first established by John Ephrain Cohen.
