A Managerial Team

Abstract

William Armstrong, the technical partner of the five who set the construction of the Elswick works in train in 1847, remained for over half a century directly and actively involved in the company which carried his name. However in the years around 1860 major changes were made in the top management; they were to have a significance through to the company’s last years over six decades later. In 1861 William Cruddas was made a partner. For many years to come he was financial secretary. At about the same time Percy Westmacott, who had joined as a draughtsman in 1848, became a partner. The Deed of Partnership specified that he was to devote the whole of his attention to the Elswick Engine Works. He ran it for many years. The most critical appointments were in armaments. They involved entry to the firm of the two families which, apart from Armstrong himself, were to play the most central role in its growth - the Rendels and the Nobles.