Radio Instruments Ltd.
12 Hyde Street, New Oxford Street, London WC1 (1922)
40 Purley Way, Croydon (1930)

Aeronautical & General Instruments, Ltd.
40 Purley Way, Croydon. (1936)
Fleets Point, Willis Way, Poole, Dorset, BH15 3SS (2024)

Brands: Madrigal / Airflo /RI / AGL / AGIFLITE

Radio Instruments Ltd., founded in 1922, was a pioneer in British electronics, producing radios, components, and later, specialized equipment for the military. In 1936, it was acquired by Aeronautical and General Instruments Ltd. (AGI). AGI expanded its product range to include sound ranging, signalling, direction finding, and navigational devices. Following World War II, AGI continued to innovate, producing cameras, communications equipment, and advanced meteorological systems. Today, AGI remains a significant player in the fields of instrumentation, aviation, and meteorology.

Radio Instruments Ltd. and Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd. share an intertwined history that spans over a century, marked by innovation, adaptation, and growth in the fields of radio, aeronautics, and instrumentation.

Radio Instruments Ltd. (R.I.)

Early Years and Establishment
Radio Instruments Ltd. was founded in 1922, initially based at 12 Hyde Street, New Oxford Street, London WC1.

The company was established by Joseph Joseph, who served as the Managing Director. Joseph had previously worked as a manager at H.W. Sullivan and brought with him significant experience in the field. [1]

Product Range and Expertise
R.I. quickly established itself as a prominent manufacturer of:

• Broadcast receivers for the general public
• Radio equipment for the British Armed Forces
• Equipment for the Post Office and BBC
• Radio components such as chokes and transformers [2]

The company prided itself on having the largest wireless works in central London, showcasing its ambition and scale of operations.

Expansion and Innovation
In 1930, R.I. made significant moves:

• Relocated to a new factory at 40 Purley Way, Croydon [3]
• Applied for the Madrigal Trademark in February [4]
• Introduced the 4-valve "Madrigal" receiving set.

The company continued to innovate, introducing features such as:

• The use of the new AC indirectly heated the pentode "Mazda" valve
• Incorporation of nickel-iron chokes in battery eliminators
• Development of both AC and DC model eliminators
• Applied for the Airflo Trademark in October 1934 [5]
   

International Reach
R.I.'s influence extended beyond the UK. 1932 the company exported radio sets to the Soviet Union, demonstrating its international appeal and capabilities. [2]

Challenges and Transition
By early 1936, Radio Instruments Ltd. faced financial difficulties. This led to a significant change in the company's structure and operations:

• The company was liquidated by its director, J. Joseph [6]
• It then became a subsidiary of the newly formed Aeronautical & General Instruments, Ltd. [7]

Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd. (AGI)

Formation and Acquisition
Aeronautical & General Instruments, Ltd. was registered as a public company on January 3, 1936, with a nominal capital of £150,000.

 The company's primary objective was to acquire the goodwill and assets of Radio Instruments Ltd., excluding the manufacture of wireless receiving sets for home use. [7]

Expanded Product Range
Under the AGI umbrella, the product range significantly expanded to include:

• Sound ranging apparatus
• Signalling equipment
• Direction finding instruments
• Electrical navigational devices
• Radio and broadcasting equipment [9]

Wartime Contributions
During World War II, AGI played a crucial role in supporting the Allied efforts:

• Supplied 'AGIFLITE' surveillance cameras to the Royal Air Force
• Produced hand-held cameras for low-level missions
• Developed state-of-the-art stereoscopic cameras for high-altitude reconnaissance
• Provided various communications equipment to the Royal Navy and British Army [9]

Post-War Diversification

J. Joseph: A Key Figure in Both Companies
J. Joseph played a crucial role in the history of both Radio Instruments Ltd. and Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd. His obituary, published in 1950, provides insight into his career and contributions:

Joseph Joseph, C.B.E., M.I.E.E., passed away at the age of 76. His career highlights include:

• Education at the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College
• Training with Kelvin & White, Glasgow
• Technical manager of the instrument department at Johnson & Phillips, Ltd. (1889-1913)
• General manager of H. W. Sullivan, Ltd. (1913-1922)
• Founder of Radio Instruments Ltd. in 1922
• General Manager of Aeronautical & General Instruments, Ltd. (1936-1946)
• Director of Aeronautical & General Instruments, Ltd. and its subsidiary companies until his passing

Joseph's career spanned over six decades, during which he made significant contributions to the fields of radio, instrumentation, and aeronautics. His leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in the success and growth of both Radio Instruments Ltd. and Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd. [8]

After the war, AGI continued to innovate and diversify:

1. Camera Production:

• Launched the 'AGILUX' brand of commercial cameras in 1946
• Manufactured complex components in-house, including lenses and shutters
• Introduced features previously unavailable in the UK [9]

2. Communications Equipment:

• Continued manufacturing of civilian telephone and communications equipment
• Transitioned from analogue to microprocessor-based digital systems

3. Military Equipment:

• Continued supplying equipment to the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and foreign armed forces
• Designed and manufactured gun sights and periscopes [9]

Relocation and Modernization
AGI's growth and evolution led to significant changes in its operational locations:

1. Purley Way Factory:

• The company operated from the 40 Purley Way, Croydon factory for several decades.
• This facility, originally built for Radio Instruments Ltd. in 1930, had been expanded in 1931 to accommodate growing demand.

2. Verwood Technology Centre:

• In 1980, AGI established a new technology centre in Verwood, Dorset.
• This move marked a significant step in the company's modernization efforts.
• By 1988, the Verwood site had become AGI's main operations centre, effectively ending the era of the Purley Way factory.

3. Poole Headquarters:

• In 1997, AGI relocated once again, moving to its current location in Poole, Dorset.
• This move further consolidated the company's operations and positioned it for continued growth in the 21st century.

Technological Advancements and Global Reach
AGI continued to evolve and expand its product range:

• Developed aerial reconnaissance cameras used by over 30 clients worldwide, including the US Navy and Brazilian and Swedish Air Forces
• Supplied marine-based systems to over 40 navies globally
• Introduced the 'AGILOG' speed log system, 'MORIAH' wind system, and 'AGIMET' ship-based meteorological system
• Designed and manufactured Visual Approach Systems for naval operations [9]

Recent Developments
In the 21st century, AGI has continued to innovate:

• Acquired Metalline International Ltd in 2007 and redeveloped the 'Metalite' range of portable aviation lighting
• Developed comprehensive airport meteorology products, including the 'AGIMET Air AWOS'
• Introduced anti-icing light variants for Helicopter Visual Landing Aids Systems in 2015 [9]

Throughout its history, AGI has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and high-quality products, ensuring its continued success in the fields of instrumentation, aviation, and meteorology.

[1] Wireless World & Radio Review Oct 71, 1922, Page xxi.
[2] Croydon times Apr 30, 1932.
[3] Electrical Review Aug 29, 1930, Page 331.
[4] Electrical Review Feb 14, 1930, Page 327.
[5] Electrical Review Oct 19, 1934, Page 557.
[6] The London Gazette May 1, 1936, Page 2891.
[7] Electrical Review Jan 10, 1936, Page 72.
[8] Electrical Review Nov 10, 1950, Page 734.
[9] Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd. (AGI), Corporate website accessed Nov 2024.