A short history Garretts

Richard Garrett established Leiston Works in 1778, over 230 years ago. 

Sickles and Scythes, the only agricultural tools then known, were manufactured on a large scale, and they were subsequently followed by Turnip Cutters, Chaff Cutters, Iron Ploughs and Harrows.

About this period, as the result of extensive experiments, RICHARD GARRETT & SONS, Ltd., introduced and sold in very large numbers to all civilized countries their celebrated Lever Corn Drill and Horse Hoe, of which they were the original Patentees.  Their highly successful system has since been universally adopted by practically all drill makers.

In 1806 – one hundred and five years ago – Richard Garrett & Sons, Ltd., built the first Horse-Power Threshing Machine.

About 1840 RICHARD GARRETT & SONS, Ltd., conceived the idea of employing steam power for agricultural purposes, and after patient and exhaustive experiments, produced a set of Steam Threshing Machinery, and were amongst the first manufacturers to exhibit a set at a Public Show in England (Norwich).  A large proportion of the first Steam Threshing Sets employed in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, was manufactured at Leiston Works, which, ever since 1840, has enjoyed one of the largest export trades in Steam Engines and Threshers in the world.
The demand for Garrett Steam Threshing Machinery was so great that the trade in the smaller machinery manufactured in large quantities before 1840 had to be given up.

The technical books and standard educational works published in various countries and languages for the purpose of teaching at universities, are always largely made up of illustrations and descriptions of Garrett’s Machinery – in itself a conclusive proof of their acknowledged superiority.

With all due modesty RICHARD GARRETT & SONS, Ltd., can claim to have been the principal Pioneers and Inventors in a higher degree than any other firm in the manufacture and successful introduction of important agricultural machinery.

In the subsequent perfection of their specialities described on page 2, the Leiston firm has always taken a leading position.

At its peak the Town Works covered between 20 and 30 acres, and was equipped with hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power transmission and with modern tools throughout.

The mechanics and workmen enjoyed a number of special privileges.
Years ago a Benefit Society was started by the firm, which went on to become entirely managed by the workmen with very satisfactory results.
A spacious Hall for entertainments, was at their disposal, and attached is a Free Library as well as Reading and Recreation Rooms; besides all this there was a large Recreation Ground for outdoor sports and games.

The firm built several hundred excellent Artisans’ Houses with garden in front and behind, and perhaps even a larger number had been built by the workmen themselves, so that Leiston Works practically formed a town in itself, and many interested visitors admired the healthy and comfortable dwellings of the workmen.

There was a perfectly equipped up-to-date Technical School with the requisite Laboratories, for the higher education of advanced students in engineering subjects; and the low fee of £1 per annum placed splendid educational facilities within the reach of all.