Rothermel Radio Corporation of Great Britain, Ltd.
24-26 Maddox Street, Regent Street, London W.1. (1928)

R.A. Rothermel Ltd.
Rothermel House, Canterbury Road, High Road, Kilburn, London, N.W.6 (1934)

Rothermel Radio Corporation began in the 1920s as an importer of audio equipment. It transitioned to manufacturing its own products, including gramophone pickups, microphones, and piezo-electric components. After wartime challenges, it restructured and expanded into hearing aids and other electronic products. By the 1950s, it had diversified and changed its name to Motor and Electronics Corporation.

Rothermel Radio Corporation of Great Britain, Ltd. was founded in the early 1920s as an importer of audio equipment. The company was incorporated in 1920, initially focusing on importing and distributing radio and electrical components. [1][2]

Early Years and Expansion
Initially based at 24-26 Maddox Street, Regent Street, London W.1 in 1928, the company acted as agents for several American firms, expanding their range of offerings in the British market.

Transition to Manufacturing and R.A. Rothermel Ltd.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Rothermel expanded beyond importing to develop and manufacture its own audio products. Around 1932, R.A. Rothermel Ltd. was established as a subsidiary, likely named after its founder, Robert Arthur Rothermel. [3]

Key Products
Rothermel became known for developing and manufacturing:

• Gramophone Pickups: High-quality components for early record players.
• Microphones: Including crystal, dynamic, and ribbon types for professional and consumer use.
• Piezo-Electric Technology: Applied to both microphones and gramophone pickups for improved sensitivity and sound quality. [4]

Wartime Challenges and Restructuring
In 1938, Chloride Electrical Storage Company acquired the Rothermel Corporation. During World War II, the company faced significant challenges:

• 1943: Chloride disposed of Rothermel.
• 1944: The Kilburn factory was bombed twice, resulting in a 6-month production loss.
• 1944: A public company was incorporated to acquire R.X.C. Ltd (formerly Rothermel Corporation). R.A. Rothermel Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of this new public company, along with British Centralab Ltd.

Post-War Expansion

• 1945: First AGM held with R.A. Rothermel as chairman.
• 1945: Acquired Remax Ltd and Hassid, Austin and Co Ltd.
• 1946: Reported high demand for products from radio and motor trades.
• 1947: Operated primarily as a holding company.
• 1948: Expanded into hearing aids and acquired 50% of British N.S.F. Co Ltd.

Later Years
By 1954, the company had diversified significantly and changed its name to Motor and Electronics Corporation.

 Throughout its history, Rothermel demonstrated adaptability and resilience, evolving from a manufacturer of automobile parts and radio components to a diversified holding company with interests in various sectors of the electronics and automotive industries.

[1] Wireless World Feb 10, 1926, Page A7.
[2] Sales management Mar 31, 1928, Page 479.
[3] Wireless World Aug 17, 1934, page Ad 35.
[4] Wireless World Feb 1946, page Ad 10.