The History of Bryan Donkin RMG

1803 - Foundation of the Company was at Bermondsay, London, which eventually moved to Chesterfield in 1902 to be closer to the supply of metals, fuels and other supplies.  Bryan Donkin was the manager of this new engineering works and the initial focus was to unravel the complexities of machines destined to revolutionize the paper making industry.  Within the first year, the works developed their first paper making machine.

1808 - Donkin patented the first practical steel pen as an alternative to the quill which was in general use.

1812 - Began developing a process for preserving animal and vegetable foods.  Same year, developed the first tinned iron containers for sealing and preserving food.

1818 - In association with Charles Brightly, they developed a flat-bed machine in which one form was raised to the printing surface and then lowered - called the Polygon Printing Machine.

1820 - Perfected the process, dies and machine for printing bank-notes (money) and stamps

1847 - Introduction to the gas industry.  Donkin's first job was contracted by the Chartered Gas Company of London to design it's first rack and pinion valve (still being supplied by one of our affiliate company's Donkin Valves/Aqua Gas)

1855 - Death of the company's founder - Bryan Donkin

1902 - Factory moved to Chesterfield

1905 - Development and delivery of the first Reynolds Governor that reduced gas pressure to ordinary delivery pressure.  The gas pressure is maintained constant on the district whatever the variations in demand and inlet pressure.

1934 - Great Depression and difficulty in trade during this period, made supplying product to the needs of the gas industry very difficult but the company prospered.  During these times, the company made numerous developments, one being the 5-stage turbo fan compressor.  Additionally, the company acquired the sole rights to manufacture and sell in Britain and the British Empire which included centrifugal pumps, fans, boosters, etc.

1935 - present - continuous development of products to service the gas industry.  Products developed for pressure reduction, safety, storage, flow control, etc.  Expansion of the Donkin works.

1957 - Introduction of gas distribution in Canada.  Bryan Donkin opens it's subsidiary office to accommodate this new markets needs.  Over the years, this facility develops from a distributor of products from England to a self-sufficient manufacturer of various products and parts from the Donkin line of equipment. 

1995 - Acquisition of Bryan Donkin by RMG of Kassel, Germany.  The RMG Group of Companies and Bryan Donkin's line of products made a great synergy with RMG focusing on the high pressure and Donkin on the low pressure equipment and related products.

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