Thompson-British Automatic Platen Press - Manchester, England

Age: 1956, Serial No. 2870, Platen size 10" x 15"


Founded in 1871, T.C. Thompson & Son, Ltd., Manchester, UK, first produced hand and treadle platens. In the 1920s, it started making automatic presses in the style of the Heidelberg platen. Patent infringement suit by the German firm forced a new press design and launched the "Buy British!" ad campaign.

During WW2, like many factories in the UK, Thompson was set-up to produce armaments. After the war, Thompson platens enjoyed great success, until the factory closed down in 1988, and was gobbled up by James Wilkes Group.

Thompson-British Automatic Platen Press - Manchester, England

Age: Serial No.: Bed size: Restored:

1956 2870 10" x 15" 2019