For over ninety years, Secomak has been a cornerstone of British engineering, shaping the landscape of air movement technology with unmatched precision and innovation. Established in 1930 as Service Electric Company Ltd, Secomak’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as an industry leader is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Early Years: Fans and Heaters
Our story began in 1930, with the production of industrial fans and heaters, laying a solid foundation for future innovations. By 1952, the company had installed its first drying machine in the Alperton bottling company, setting the stage for expansion into new and exciting areas of technology.
The 1940s: A Crucial Contribution to the War Effort
The 1940s brought new challenges and during World War II, Secomak played a pivotal role in civil defence by designing and manufacturing air raid sirens. The hand-operated Syren Type 447 became an essential tool for protecting communities during air raids, showcasing Secomak’s ability to innovate under pressure.
The 1960s: Expanding into Gas Booster Technology
In 1966, we took a significant step forward by expanding our expertise into gas booster technology. The development of centrifugal gas boosters marked a new era for Secomak, allowing it to raise gas pressure for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This move not only diversified the product range but also solidified our reputation as a leader in air movement technology. By 1969, the first gas booster was installed and we are still manufacturing them today.
The 1970s: We officially changed our name to Secomak Ltd.
Previously Secomak was a range of products within a large portfolio but with recent expansion and new developments, it felt right for the company to change the name away from Service Electric Company Ltd to Secomak Ltd.
The 1980s: Continued Innovation and Diversification
The 1980s were a period of significant growth and diversification for Secomak. In 1986, We introduced the Thermoshrink, our first purpose built hot-air shrink tunnel for food & beverage production. By 1988, Secomak had developed its first air knife application. A purpose developed solution for removing surface water for the exterior of food packaging during production. This decade also marked the arrival of our longest-serving employee, Darren, who has been with the company for over 40 years
The 1990s and Beyond: Strategic Acquisitions and Technological Advancements
The 1990s marked a time of significant innovation, as Secomak Ltd worked on enhancing its technology and improving the efficiency of its air movement systems. They continued to provide solutions for drying, cooling, and ventilation, which were essential in various industrial applications. Additionally, Secomak Ltd built relationships with global clients and grew its presence in the market.
In 2004, Secomak purchased the business of ON Beck, further expanding its capabilities with a range of compressed air driven products including the Mistral V which is one of the company’s largest sold product.
Management buyout
A management buyout from the Halma Group in 2005 marked a new chapter for the company. Now an independently owned company, a significant turning point in our history and allowed for renewed focus for becoming an air movement specialist. In 2006 we moved from Honeypot Lane to our current home in Elstree, a 10,000 sq/ft purpose-built facility. We also formed a strategic development partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and together created the first design of our revolutionary DryGuide Technology in 2009. The first “PowerGuide” installation was completed in 2012.
Secomak Manufacturing
After being a longstanding supplier Deedmore engineering and Secomak combined to form Secomak manufacturing in 2018. This merger enabled Secomak Ltd to concentrate specifically on precision engineering and component manufacturing, resulting in tailored and dynamic solutions that allowed us to focus on the quality of our products
Celebrating 90 Years of Excellence
In 2020, we celebrated our 90th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy of engineering excellence and adaptability. The company’s journey is marked by countless achievements and milestones, each contributing to its enduring success. From its early days of producing fans and heaters to its role in the war effort and its expansion into gas booster technology, Secomak’s heritage is a story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Recent Developments
In 2021, we developed an in-house design and development area, followed by a rebranding and a new website launch in 2022 in line with its forecasted future. The company launched a brand-new drying machine, the award-winning DryGuide Essential at PPMA in 2024, showcasing its ongoing commitment to innovation.
Looking to the Future
As Secomak looks to the future, Secomak remains committed to pushing the boundaries of air movement technology. With a rich history to build on and a passion for innovation, the company is poised to continue its legacy of excellence for many years to come.
