West Yorkshire-based TS Harrison & Sons has been at the forefront of centre lathe manufacturing for a century, with machines in daily use throughout the world in the manufacturing and educational marketplace.

With investment being made to support the large distribution network world-wide and to appraise new materials and technologies, Harrison hopes to further maintain its competitive edge long into the future.

Time Line

2000

• Launch of Alpha T and Alpha U lathes (400 to 550mm swing over bed)

1999

• Alpha Plus range of manual / CNC lathes launched (300 to 800mm swing over bed)

1997

• TS Harrison & Sons continued to develop the Alpha range with the introduction of the Alpha Plus

1995

• Launch of ALPHA 'The Ultimate Centre Lathe'

1995

• Evolution of conventional lathes to heavy duty M390, M460, M550, V350, V390, V460, V550

1994

• The MK3 enhanced Trainer, with IBM controls introduced

1993

• CE marking achieved. Slant-bed CNC TU150 range introduced

1992

• Introduced CSS (Constant Surface Speed) for variable speed models

1991

• Quality approval to BS5750 awarded (BS EN ISO 9002)

1991

• Introduction of V280, V330, V380, V450, V530 electronically variable speed machines

1989

• VS and HS design combine to establish the VHS450 variable high speed CNC

1988

• HS450 high speed CNC introduced

1987

• Production of Trainer MK2 and VS450 variable speed CNC began

1985

• M Series expanded with the introduction of the M350, M600/750. M400 upgraded to the M450

1984

• Trainer MK1 introduced

1982

• M250 added to the geared head range. First CNC controls fitted to the M300, M400 and M500

1980

• Introduction of VS330TR, a mechanically variable speed machine to toolroom specification

1977

• Next M Series (M500) introduced

1976

• M400 introduced

1973

• The first Metric M300 produced

1973

• Queens Award for Export

1971

• Taken over by The 600 Group

1968

• Exports exceeded 40% for the first time

1961

• Conveyor line for final assembly introduced (the first in the UK)

1950's

• Variable speed and larger swing lathes introduced

1941

• Taken over by Brooke Tool Company for war production

1916

• Became a Limited company

1900

• First Harrison lathe produced (simple treadle machine)

1898

• TS Harrison & Sons established as textile machinery manufacturers by Thomas Strickland Harrison. Thomas Strickland Harrison opened a small repair shop, powered by steam, with his sons Tom and John in 1898.