Renishaw, a global engineering technologies company, was founded on 4 April 1973 to commercialize the invention of a touch-trigger probe by Sir David McMurtry, now Executive Chairman. The probe solved a dimensional measurement problem faced by Rolls-Royce when manufacturing the Olympus engines that powered the supersonic Concorde aircraft and similar challenges faced by precision manufacturers worldwide. Rolls-Royce took out a patent on McMurtry’s original design and agreed to license the patent, and on 4 April 1973, the first Renishaw company, Renishaw Electrical Ltd., was registered.
Renishaw, a global engineering technologies company, is commemorating its 50th anniversary with various international activities this year. These include open house events at its most prominent sites, family days for employees, and a ‘50 at 50′ charity initiative that will donate £150,000 to 50 not-for-profit organizations in the 36 countries where it has offices. The company was founded on 4 April 1973, and this milestone reflects its commitment to innovation and growth in the precision manufacturing industry.
Renishaw was established to commercialize the invention of a touch-trigger probe by Sir David McMurtry, now the Executive Chairman. The probe was created to solve a dimensional measurement problem that Rolls-Royce faced when manufacturing the Olympus engines that powered the supersonic Concorde aircraft. Moreover, the probe solved similar challenges faced by many global precision manufacturers, making it possible to automate measurement on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for the first time. This invention revolutionized the precision manufacturing industry, and Renishaw’s subsequent innovations have made it a leader in the field.
McMurtry’s original design for the touch-trigger probe was patented by Rolls-Royce on 21 September 1972, with McMurtry acknowledged as the inventor. He shared the concept with a colleague, John Deer, who recognized its broader commercial potential. Rolls-Royce agreed to license the patent to them but only under the condition that they established a limited liability company. For this reason, they purchased an existing company, and on 4 April 1973, the first Renishaw company, Renishaw Electrical Ltd., was registered. This began a journey to transform Renishaw into a global leader in precision measurement technologies.
In 1977, Renishaw launched its first commercial probe for machine tools after McMurtry and Deer recognized the potential for using probes on computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. Today, Renishaw’s business comprises a significant amount of contact and non-contact laser measurement systems for CMMs and machine tools, as well as a wide range of metrology systems for calibration, position feedback, and gauging with associated accessories like styli and fixturing.
Renishaw has leveraged its core expertise in measurement, manufacturing, and process control to develop systems for non-destructive testing using Raman spectroscopy, robots, and drug delivery systems for brain surgery. Additionally, Renishaw is a technology leader in metal additive manufacturing (3D printing), further expanding its impact on the precision manufacturing industry.
Over the past 50 years, Renishaw has played a vital role in the precision manufacturing industry and scientific research. Its innovative products have revolutionized component manufacturing, creating high-performance, precise products used daily. From aircraft and cars to smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and solar panels, Renishaw’s ongoing innovations have impacted almost every industry in some way. The company’s contributions have extended to brain surgery and dentistry, demonstrating its impact and versatility.
Renishaw’s ongoing success is reflected in its listing on the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE 250 index, with a current valuation of approximately £3 billion. The company has a global presence, employing 5,200 individuals across 36 countries, including 3,400 staff at its sites in Gloucestershire and South Wales in the UK. With its continued focus on innovation and precision manufacturing, Renishaw is well-positioned to continue contributing to advancements in multiple industries for years.
Renishaw’s Chief Executive, Will Lee, highlights the significance of the company’s 50th anniversary, stating, “This is a year to reflect on the tremendous achievements of our co-founders and employees past and present, who have done so much to advance precision manufacturing globally, and to look forward with confidence to future decades of innovation and growth.”
Will Lee also emphasizes the key factors that have contributed to Renishaw’s success, stating, “The formula that has ensured Renishaw’s success over the past 50 years remains at the heart of our approach to business – investing heavily in research and development to ensure a continuing stream of world-leading products; a commitment to high-quality in-house manufacturing that ensures we can meet the exacting requirements of our global customers; and a focus on excellent local customer service and support through our wholly owned subsidiary operations.”
Finally, Will Lee expresses his gratitude towards Renishaw’s customers, suppliers, and stakeholders, stating, “On behalf of Renishaw, I would also like to thank our customers and suppliers, many of whom we have had close relationships with for most of our history and with whom we have shared mutual success, and our other stakeholders, including our local communities who have been highly supportive of our growth and have also shared in our success.”
To learn more about Renishaw’s history, visit www.renishaw.com/history.