Tungsram  Electric Lamp Works (Great Britain), Ltd.
 72, Oxford Street, London, W1 (1929)

British Tungsram Radio Works, Ltd.
West Road, Tottenham, London, N.17 (1939)

Brand: Tungsram

Tungsram's history in the UK began in the early 1920s with a focus on electric lamps, but it soon faced challenges, including a patent dispute with Mullard, before expanding into the valve market through British Tungsram Radio Works in 1933. The company adapted to wartime needs, became part of Philips in 1952, and eventually dissolved in 1982, reflecting the broader shift from valves to solid-state electronics in the industry.

Early Establishment and Market Entry (1920s-1930)

In the early 1920s, Tungsram, a Hungarian company known for its electric lamps, made its first foray into the UK market. This was achieved through the establishment of Tungsram Electric Lamp Works (Great Britain), Ltd. The company's initial focus was on electric lamps, leveraging Tungsram's expertise in this field to gain a foothold in the British market.[1]

Patent Dispute (1929)
In 1929, Tungsram's expansion into the UK market faced a significant hurdle. The company became embroiled in a patent dispute with the Mullard Radio Valve Company, a well-established player in the British radio valve industry. Mullard alleged that certain radio valves imported and sold in Great Britain by Tungsram and other dealers infringed on their patents.
The patents in question were:

1. Letters Patent 209730
2. Letters Patent 229622
3. Letters Patent 245146
4. Letters Patent 245147

These patents covered specific manufacturing features of radio valves, highlighting the technical complexities and proprietary nature of valve production at the time.

Mullard's response to this perceived infringement was swift and multifaceted:

1. They issued writs against Tungsram and other dealers.
2. Warnings were sent to suppliers and users of these valves about potential legal liabilities.
3. Mullard emphasized that their actions were intended to prevent unnecessary legal and financial consequences for those unknowingly involved in the sale or use of infringing products.

This legal battle underscored the competitive and litigious nature of the early radio valve industry, where companies fiercely protected their technological advantages through patent rights.[2]

Expansion and Subsidiary Formation (1930-1933)
Despite the legal challenges, Tungsram persevered in its efforts to establish a strong presence in the UK market. The company's determination led to a significant development on December 18, 1933, when British Tungsram Radio Works, Ltd. was officially registered as a private company in the UK. [3]

Key details of this new entity include:

1. Capital: The company was established with a capital of £10,000, divided into £1 shares.
2. Objective: Its primary goal was to acquire the business of manufacturing and selling "Tungsram" thermionic valves in the United Kingdom.
3. Trademarks: The company acquired all associated trademarks, including trademark No. 491218, Class 8.
4. Subscribers: The initial subscribers listed were H. Reynolds and E. T. Gorst, both based at 7, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.2.
5. Legal representation: Reynolds, Sons & Gorst, solicitors at the same address, provided legal services for the company.

This new subsidiary, British Tungsram Radio Works, marked Tungsram's serious entry into the UK's valve market. Initially, the company's manufacturing process involved importing valve parts and sealing them in the UK, a strategy that allowed them to establish local production while still leveraging their international supply chain.

Wartime Production and Adaptation (1939-1945)
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 presented both challenges and opportunities for British Tungsram Radio Works. The company demonstrated remarkable adaptability during this period:

1. Expansion of operations: Despite the difficulties posed by the war, the company expanded its production capabilities.
2. Self-sufficiency: British Tungsram began producing valve components that it previously had to purchase from external suppliers. This move towards vertical integration was likely driven by wartime supply chain disruptions and the need for greater control over production.
3. Contribution to war effort: While specific details are not provided, it's likely that, like many electronics manufacturers of the time, British Tungsram contributed to the war effort by producing valves for military communications equipment and other wartime applications.

This period of adaptation and expansion during challenging circumstances showcased the company's resilience and technical capabilities.

Post-War Developments (1945-1952)
In the immediate post-war years, British Tungsram Radio Works continued to solidify its position in the UK's valve and lamp industry. The company likely benefited from the post-war economic recovery and the growing consumer demand for radios and other electronic devices.
A pivotal moment came in 1952 when Philips Electrical Ltd, a major player in the global electronics industry, acquired a controlling interest in the company. This acquisition had several implications:

1. Change in management: Following the acquisition, Mullard, a subsidiary of Philips, took over the management of British Tungsram.
2. Access to resources: The backing of a large multinational corporation like Philips likely provided British Tungsram with access to greater financial and technological resources.
3. Market positioning: The acquisition may have been part of Philips' strategy to consolidate its position in the UK market and to benefit from Tungsram's established brand and distribution networks.

Distribution and Partnerships (1957-1959)
The late 1950s saw significant changes in Tungsram's distribution arrangements in the UK:

1. In August 1957, as reported in Electronic Engineering magazine, Siemens Bros & Co Ltd and The Edison Swan Electric Co Ltd ceased distributing Tungsram valves following their complete integration. [4]
2. British Tungsram Radio Works Co Ltd, located at West Road, Tottenham, London, N.17, took over the direct handling of orders for Tungsram valves.
3. Siemens Edison Swan Ltd became responsible for the manufacture and distribution of all Ediswan and Ediswan Mazda valves and cathode-ray tubes.

In November 1959, British Tungsram Radio Works Ltd registered a new trademark (No. 787,544) in Class 9 for "Electric semiconducting devices for use in telecommunications." This move into semiconductors signaled the company's adaptation to the changing landscape of electronics, as transistors began to challenge the dominance of valves in many applications. [5]

Later Years and Dissolution (1960s-1982)
The late 1950s marked a significant period of change for Tungsram's operations in the UK. In August 1957, Siemens Bros & Co Ltd and The Edison Swan Electric Co Ltd ceased distributing Tungsram valves following their complete integration. British Tungsram Radio Works Co Ltd, based in Tottenham, London, took over direct handling of Tungsram valve orders. Meanwhile, Siemens Edison Swan Ltd became responsible for manufacturing and distributing all Ediswan and Ediswan Mazda valves and cathode-ray tubes.

In November 1959, British Tungsram Radio Works Ltd registered a new trademark for "Electric semiconducting devices for use in telecommunications," signalling the company's adaptation to the emerging semiconductor technology. [5]

During the 1960s, British Tungsram marketed semiconductors made by Mullard/Philips, packaged in screw-topped aluminium tubes. The company continued operations into the early 1970s. However, despite these efforts to diversify, British Tungsram Radio Works, Ltd was ultimately dissolved in 1982, marking the end of Tungsram's direct presence in the UK valve market. [6]

Throughout its history in the UK from the 1920s to 1982, Tungsram valves played a significant role in the British electronics industry. The company's journey from a foreign entrant facing patent disputes to an established manufacturer, and finally to dissolution, reflects the broader story of the valve industry in the 20th century. Tungsram's adaptability, seen in its wartime expansion, post-war partnerships, and attempts to enter new technological fields, demonstrates the dynamic nature of the electronics industry during this transformative period in technological history.

[1] Electrical Review Jun 25, 1926, Page 12.
[2] Wireless & Gramophone Trader Jun 14, 1930, Page 39.
[3] Electrical Review Dec 29, 1933, Page 934.
[4] Electronic Engineering Aug 1957, Page 406.
[5] Electrical Review Nov 20, 1959, Page 724.
[6] London Gazette Nov 16, 1982, Page 14975.