Our History
Rubery Owen remains responsive in a changing world and has moved in line with market demands. It is now committed to servicing a broad market group through its subsidiary companies. Richard Jenkins is the fourth generation executive chairman at the helm, having taken over from John Owen in 2015.
Rubery Owen operates eight group companies in a diverse range of markets.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Rubery Owen has been at the forefront of automotive component technology since the birth of the motor car.
The company employed 17,000 worldwide at its height, with 5,000 skilled workers at its 74 acre site in Booth Street, Darlaston alone. Rubery Owen has been synonymous with quality and enterprise over the years. Until the 1980’s many of the cars made in Britain would have had a Rubery Owen product in it, whether a wheel, an axle or a simple bolt.
The Rubery Owen Group was involved in The British Racing Motors project from its inception in 1949 and acquired a controlling interest in the early 1950`s.
The BRM racing team won the F1 Championship in 1962 and, over the years, many famous drivers drove for BRM – including Juan Manuel Fangio, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Stirling Moss, Jose Froilan Gonzalez, Charles Anthony “Tony” Brooks, Joakim Bonnier and Ricardo Rodriguez to name but a few.
21ST CENTURY
Rubery Owen remains responsive in a changing world and has moved in line with market demands. It is now committed to servicing a broad market group through its subsidiary companies
1970’S – 90’S
1980-81 Closure of Darlaston Factory
1971 – Rubery Owen vying with Littlewoods to be Britain’s largest privately owned company in early 1970’s
1970’s – 80’s Significant Downturn and Recession
1960’S – 1970’S
1964 – Donald Campbell, son of Sir Malcolm Campbell, makes the Land Speed Record in Bluebird which was created by Rubery Owen
1962 BRM is F1 World Champion
1950’S – 1960’S
“You’ve Never Had it So Good” said McMillan and this was true for Rubery Owen who, at this time, boasted 17,000 employees working in 63 companies throughout 5 continents.
1930’s - 40’s
War Effort sees Rubery Owen enjoy significant growth
1893 – 1930
Rubery Owen becomes a major player in the manufacture of motor chassis, structural steelwork and aerospace components
1893
AE Owen joins as Partner to Mr Rubery
1884
JT Rubery and Brothers opens for business
