Wayne Kerr Laboratories, Ltd.
Sycamore Grove, New Malden, Surrey. (1946)

Wayne Kerr Co. Ltd.
New Malden, Surrey. (1968)
Roebuck Road, Chessington Surrey. (1971)
Durban Road, Bognor Regis, Sussex, P022 9RL (1973)

Wayne Kerr Electronics.
Unit 1A, Durban Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 (2024)

Wayne Kerr Asia

Actual subsidiaries in 2007:

Wayne Kerr Asia
14F-6, No. 79, Hsin Tai Wu Road, Sec 1, Hsi-chih, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.

Wayne Kerr Europe GmbH
Märkische Str. 38-40, 58675 Hemer, Germany

Wayne Kerr Electronics Inc.
165L New Boston Street, Woburn, MA 01801-6201, USA.

14F-6, No. 79, Hsin Tai Wu Road, Sec 1, Hsi-chih, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.

Wayne Kerr Europe GmbH
Märkische Str. 38-40, 58675 Hemer, Germany

Wayne Kerr Electronics Inc.
165L New Boston Street, Woburn, MA 01801-6201, USA. (2024)

Founded in 1946 by ex-BBC engineers, Wayne Kerr started with radio test equipment (R.F. bridge B 601). They joined Wilmot Breeden in 1958, focusing on electronic measuring instruments. After challenges in the 70s, a 1981 management buyout led them to diversify into CAD for printed circuits. Acquired by Farnell Electronics in 1988, Wayne Kerr later shifted focus to ATE (testing automotive electronics) and bridges. The bridge division was sold in 2001 (retaining Wayne Kerr Electronics name). Today, they continue to innovate in electronic test equipment.

Wayne Kerr: A Pioneering Journey in Electronics (1946-Present)

In 1946, a spark of innovation ignited in London. Former BBC engineers, Richard Foxwell and Raymond Calvert, established Wayne Kerr Laboratories, whimsically named after movie stars Naughton Wayne and Deborah Kerr (a relative of Foxwell's). Their initial focus was on radio frequency test equipment, a crucial tool for the burgeoning electronics industry. [1]

Their debut product, the R.F. bridge B 601, launched in August 1946, was a game-changer. This instrument measured capacitance, resistance, and inductance – essential parameters for the proper functioning of electronic components.  Alongside the component bridge B101, the B 601 firmly established Wayne Kerr as a player in the instrument market. [2]

By 1958, the company had grown significantly, evolving into Wayne Kerr Co. and joining the Wilmot Breeden group under the leadership of Foxwell, who became chairman. This period saw continued development and refinement of electronic measuring equipment, solidifying Wayne Kerr's position as a leader in the field. [3]

However, the late 1970s brought a wave of economic challenges. A decline in orders necessitated a temporary shift to a shorter work week in 1977. In 1979, Wilmot Breeden, including its electronics division that housed Wayne Kerr, was acquired by Rockwell International.

This ownership change wasn't the end of the Wayne Kerr story. A bold move in 1981 saw a management buyout, leading to the formation of WKR. This new entity encompassed both Wayne Kerr and Rendar businesses. Recognizing the changing landscape, WKR strategically diversified, moving into the realm of computer-aided design (CAD) systems for printed circuits by 1983. This shift proved remarkably successful. A public share offering in 1985 was heavily oversubscribed, demonstrating investor confidence in Wayne Kerr's ability to adapt and thrive.

Wayne Kerr continued its growth through acquisitions. In 1987, they took over the assets of ATE Systems from Fairey, further expanding their capabilities. However, 1988 marked another turn in their story as Farnell Electronics acquired the company.

Farnell later streamlined its operations, selling their Manufacturing Division, including Wayne Kerr, to Advance Group International. They focused on component distribution, with Wayne Kerr becoming part of this new structure.  This period also involved internal restructuring, with some parts of the company relocating to different locations within the UK.

The 1990s saw Wayne Kerr navigate various ownership changes and restructurings. Despite these shifts, the company maintained a strong focus on two key areas: Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and bridges. The ATE business thrived, particularly due to large contracts with US automakers who used their systems to test crucial automotive electronics like engine management control units. Wayne Kerr bridges also garnered significant interest from military organizations worldwide.

By the end of the decade, Wayne Kerr found itself back in Bognor Regis under the ownership of a UK Venture Capital company (Cinven).  The company streamlined further, selling off the RF & Power Supply Divisions, leaving bridges and ATE as its core activities.

The year 2001 saw another significant change. The bridges (instruments) division was sold to the Microtest Corporation of Taiwan, though it retained the iconic Wayne Kerr Electronics name. Despite the change, the company continued its innovative spirit, relocating to a new, purpose-built factory near Chichester.

The new millennium ushered in a wave of technological advancements at Wayne Kerr. They introduced the 6500 series of Precision Impedance Analyzers and HF LCR Meters, boasting measurement frequencies up to 120MHz.  These instruments also showcased a user-friendly innovation – the first use of color touch screens in their equipment.  Another major development was the introduction of the 4300 series of LCR Meters. Importantly, Wayne Kerr embraced advancements in communication protocols, integrating industry-standard interfaces like RS232, GPIB, USB, and LAN into their equipment. This move opened doors to a whole new generation of customers who could utilize Wayne Kerr instruments and seamlessly integrate them into their 21st-century testing needs.

Today, Wayne Kerr Electronics continues its legacy as a leader in electronic test equipment. Their story embodies the dynamism of the electronics industry, where adaptation to new technologies and market demands is essential for survival. With a rich history of innovation, from the early days of radio frequency bridges to the cutting-edge advancements of today, Wayne Kerr Electronics remains a vital player in the ever-evolving world of electronics.

Wayne Kerr Patents

A testament to their innovative spirit, Wayne Kerr Labs holds a total of 113 patent applications. Their first patent was published in 1946, the same year the company was founded. They primarily filed patents in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. These patents likely covered their early test equipment designs and later advancements in CAD technology.

[1] A History of Impedance Measurements by Henry P. Hall. Page 35.
[2] Wireless World, Aug 1946, Page 268.
[3] Wireless World, May 1973, Page 252.