STRIX is the world's leading manufacturer of controls and cordless interfaces for kettles, jugs and a wide range of other water boiling appliances in the domestic appliance industry. STRIX has recently launched the new Aqua Optima branded water filter suitable for use in kettles and cold water jugs. The company has achieved this success through a policy of product innovation and quality from the design stage right through to the end product.

STRIX controls are the enabling technology which kettle manufacturers use to give their products extra features. They are designed to work in conjunction with the kettle's heating element and are the means to the kettle switching off when the water boils, protecting it from damage should the appliance boil dry. Famous name brands such as Philips, Tefal, Rowenta, Morphy Richards, Russell Hobbs, Kenwood, Bosch Siemens, Braun and Bodum all contain STRIX controls. In fact STRIX controls are used over ONE BILLION times a day worldwide by some 20% of the world's population.

STRIX' history dates back to 1951 when it was set up as Castletown Thermostats on the Isle of Man and became fully independent of its original UK parent company in 1979 under the Chairmanship of John Taylor.

Many events and changes have since taken place and these will be noted in chronological order to give the reader an overall picture and insight into how STRIX has become the World Class company it is today.

1984 Edwin Davies joins as Managing Director
This appointment, together with the merging of the two factories on the Isle of Man in 1985 under the name of STRIX, saw the company receive its first major export orders, putting STRIX on the road to becoming the World Class manufacturer as we know it today.

1984 Official opening of Port Erin Factory under the name of STRIX by HRH Princess Anne
The new factory produced the world's first totally integrated kettle control - the C-Series. Overall 10 million were sold, the first being produced on 9 September 1981.

1985 R-Series Launch
The launch of the world's favourite control for water boiling appliances using immersed element technology.

1987 P-Series Launch
The launch of the world's leading cordless interface series.

1988 STRIX 10 Millionth Control
The first major milestone was reached by STRIX with the manufacture of the 10 millionth control.

1989 Opening of Ramsey Factory (Isle Of Man) and STRIX Hong Kong Sales Office
The Ramsey factory was opened to manufacture all of STRIX components by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Major General Sir Lawrence New on 28th July 1989.

1990 Acquisition by STRIX
STRIX acquired Malew Engineering on the Isle of Man, a third factory on the island, now fully integrated into the STRIX Group and devoted to the manufacture of new products.

1991 Expansion of Ramsey Factory
Due to growth within STRIX, the Ramsey factory was expanded to facilitate new injection moulding and pressing equipment to supply the increased demand for its range of products.

STRIX' quest for quality and excellence was rewarded in this year with the BS5750 (Part 1), i.e. ISO 9001, Award for Quality Management Systems.

1992 New Corporate Headquarters for STRIX
The next phase of the company's development on the Isle of Man culminated in the move to the purpose built corporate headquarters and research and development centre at Ronaldsway. The foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister, Hon M R Walker on 10 April 1992 and officially opened by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Air Marshal Sir Laurence Jones on 18 June 1993.

This move coincided with the production of the 50 millionth control and the establishment of STRIX as the world market leader in controls for water boiling purposes.

1993 Expansion of Malew Factory

1995 A New Beginning Ten short years saw the transition from a single small office operation to a world class, world leading operation. 1995 produced event after prestigious event for STRIX:

• Appointment of Professor Sir Roland Smith as chairman of the STRIX Group.
• STRIX received the Queen's Award for Export Achievement.
• STRIX announced winner of the Manufacturing Excellence Award (Engineering Oscar).
• STRIX voted Manufacturer of the Year by the Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineers.
• STRIX receive the Isle Of Man Enterprise Award.
• Opening of STRIX (UK) Ltd, Chester, by the Rt Hon Sir Wyn Roberts, MP. This event also coincided with the production of the 100 millionth control representing a doubling in production over the last two years. STRIX' main sales office is also based at the Chester site.

1996 U-Series Launch
The launch of the world's favourite control for water boiling appliances using underfloor heating technology and its associated 360° connector. Followed in 1997 by the launch of controls specifically for use with thick film heater technology.

1997 Opening of Guangzhou (PRC) Factory, STRIX Russia (Moscow) and STRIX Europe (Brussels)
Due to the growth of our customer base in South East Asia a factory was opened in the Guangzhou Economic and Technical Development District in Guangdong Province, P.R.C.
International Sales offices were also established in Moscow and Brussels.

1998 Another Queen's Award for Export Achievement
February 1998 saw the production of the 200 millionth control, again showing a doubling of production in two years. In April the company was awarded another Queen's Award for Export, the second award in three years.

In amongst all the above events STRIX global sales network continued to expand and develop, enabling the company to add maximum value to its customer base through local products and service support.

As a consequence, STRIX is able to offer a very wide range of services to its customers on a truly global scale. It's international connections, combined with the technical knowledge and mobility of its sales force, means that STRIX is in a position to initiate complete projects, building bridges between component suppliers, manufacturers and customers. Thus new developments go to the right markets at the right time and all partners are able to maximise their efficiency and profitability.

1999 New Product Launch
STRIX launched U30 series at the Domotechnica exhibition. This control and heater system is specifically aimed at the North American market for use in hot pots, whilst in Europe and the Far East the product is in demand for use in mini jug kettles, egg boilers, and a range of other appliances.

2000 Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation
At the beginning of 2000 Edwin Davies took over as executive chairman following the retirement of John Taylor. Mr Davies was also awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for "services to industry".

In April of this year STRIX were very proud to receive the Queen's Award for Enterprise:Innovation, their first award in this category. The award was given for the creation and development of the U-Series underfloor heating system for domestic kettles, and acknowledges the innovation inherent in STRIX products which has made them the industry's standard for performance and reliability in the latest technology appliances. The company has now received three Queen's Awards in five years, a tremendous achievement.

HSBC Private Equity acquired a minority stake in STRIX Group to provide development capital for the business.  The company to be lead by Edwin Davies (Executive Chairman) and Brian Amey (Chief Executive).

2001 - 50 Years Since Foundation
In 2001 John Taylor received an Honorary Doctorate at UMIST and becomes Visiting Professor of Innovation.

STRIX' beginning in 1951 as Castletown Thermostats were marked by celebrations and commemorated with the dedication of a Clock and Tower in the grounds of Castle Rushen in Castletown, Isle of Man, which also commemorated the New Millennium.

STRIX featured on the BBC TV "Working Lunch" programme and launched the U19 series of variable temperature controls.

The struggle against counterfeits continued with increased co-operation from the Government of the People's Republic of China. Visits were made to Europe by the Chinese and visits from Europe were made to China. This culminated in the visit to Europe and, in particular, the Isle of Man Government, by Madame Huang, the Vice Minister for the State Administration for Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Successful actions were carried out in the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey, Malaysia and China.

2002 Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade
In April STRIX were again proud to receive the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. It is cited that "STRIX was established in 1981 and manufactures controls for the domestic appliance industry, essentially for kettles, jugs and other water boiling appliances and it sells them to more than 40 countries worldwide. It is winning the export award for the third time. In three years the company has increased its overseas earnings by about 50%, exported well over £100 million worth of its product, and provided work for more than 500 people on the Isle Of Man. It has demonstrated impressive adaptability and innovation in both its products and marketing approach and has achieved a spectacular 70% share of the worldwide market; it proudly estimates that its products are used one billion times every day."

STRIX gains the international standard for Environmental Protection ISO 14001.

John Taylor honoured by Corpus Christie College, Cambridge University, by creating him an Honorary Fellow.

2003 500 Millionth Control Sold
In October, STRIX sold its 500 millionth control to the world water boiling market and had a special edition of the book "Tea East & West", by Rupert Faulkner of the Victoria and Albert Museum, printed for its major customers and staff.

STRIX enter the pure water market in Europe and the Far East.

The STRIX Centre for Manufacturing was opened at UMIST, funded by a generous donation from founder and past Chairman John Taylor.

The Chinese Ambassador to the U.K., His Excellency Zha Peixin and wife visit STRIX.

H.M. The Queen visits STRIX in June on the Isle of Man for the Tynwald Ceremony.

STRIX open a new factory in Guangzhou, and signs a major cooperation agreement in China with Midea.

The Russian Ambassador to the U.K., His Excellency Grigory B Karasin visits STRIX in September.

In December the death of past Group Chairman, Professor Sir Roland Smith was announced.

2004
The Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, visits the STRIX factory in Guangzhou.

STRIX launches the new U44 system for moka coffee makers.

Edwin Davies celebrates 20 years with STRIX and endows the library at Manchester Business School, now part of the new University of Manchester.

2005
In May ABN AMRO Capital carried out an LBO of the holding company of STRIX Group Limited from Montagu Private Equity Limited.  Edwin Davies to be Non-Executive Chairman of the new group and Brian Amey to continue as Chief Executive.

Co-operation agreement with Midea in China announced.

Plastic Industry Award for Best Sales & Marketing Initiative of Aqua Optima.

Vice Chairman of Guangzhou City Mr Chen Ming De visits STRIX Guangzhou.

STRIX sponsor the Barbirolli International Oboe Festival & Competition.

2006
Sir Brian Bender, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Trade & Industry visits STRIX Guangzhou.

ASTA BEAB award STRIX their first RoHS certificate qualifying STRIX under OHSAS 18001.

Aqua Optima launch their "Body of Water" TV advertising campaign.

The Malew factory in the Isle of Man is consolidated with the Ramsey site in June 2006.

At the end of December, Eddie Davies OBE retired as Non-Executive Chairman of STRIX and Philip Cushing is appointed as Non-Executive Chairman.

A STRIX control is used over ONE BILLION TIMES a day around the world by over 20% of the world's population.

In total, the company now employs 1000 people and holds over 600 patents, with annual sales of over £100 million. 

STRIX is well aware that in order to maintain its position as world leader in the supply of control systems to the domestic appliance market and to sustain its committed policy of growth, it is vital to continue to innovate and diversify into related markets.

STRIX continues to strive for world-class status following a philosophy of continuous improvement. It is now further developing leading edge manufacturing techniques and new generation products, including the Aqua Optima brand of water filters, to meet the needs of globally recognised brands.

February 2007