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Timeline History of Claude Lyons

At Claude Lyons, our story is one of relentless innovation and unwavering dedication to excellence. Since our inception in 1918, we have been at the forefront of shaping the landscape of AC Voltage Control and Voltage Stabiliser technology. With a legacy spanning over a century, we take pride in our rich history and the milestones that have defined our journey.

1918: Foundations of Excellence
Claude Lyons was founded in Liverpool in 1918 by Claude Lyons. From our humble beginnings, we set out with a vision to revolutionise. Our commitment to quality and innovation laid the cornerstone for our enduring legacy.

Decades of Innovation
Throughout the decades, Claude Lyons continued to push the boundaries of what was possible. From the introduction of groundbreaking technologies to pioneering industry standards, we consistently led the way. Our relentless pursuit of innovation earned us a reputation as a trusted partner and industry leader.

Expansion and Growth
As our reputation grew, so did our reach. We expanded our operations. This period of growth allowed us to better serve our customers and adapt to the evolving needs of the market.

2021 and Beyond
As we look to the future, Claude Lyons remains committed to the values that have guided us since the beginning. With a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity, we are poised to write the next chapter of our storied history.

1917

Claude Lyons leaves the British Army

1918

Claude Lyons sets up in business

1919

Claude’s brother Lewis Lyons joins Claude Lyons in business

1925

Claude Lyons® become exclusive European agents for the range of precision instruments from General Radio

1927

Claude Lyons Limited is incorporated

1928

184 page catalogue is released: Getting the Most Out of Radio – An Educational Catalogue of Quality Components and Accessories

1930

  • Variac® 100-200 Series launched
  • London Office is opened at 40 Buckingham Gate, SW1

1933

Claude Lyons® introduces Variac® Variable Transformers to the United Kingdom

1936

The company moves to 180-182 Tottenham Court Road, London W1

1939

Claude Lyons enters the field of Mains Voltage Stabilisation and Regulation in the late 1930s with a range of Constant Voltage Transformers

1940

  • Variac® 100-200 Series is discontinued
  • Variac® X, V3, V6, V30, 10 Series are introduced
  • Berco® 31, 41, 45, 71, 72 Series are introduced

1953

Claude Lyons Ltd relocates to Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

1955

The introduction of Servomechanical Voltage Stabilisers, systems based on the principle of a motorised variable transformer controlling a buck-boost transformer

1960

Variac® X, V3, V6, V30, 10 Series are discontinued

Regulac RX, RB, RK Series are introduced

1968

Lyons Instruments Limited is incorporated

1970

Regulac RX, RB, RK Series are discontinued

Regavolt® 300,400,700,1225 Series are introduced

Regavolt® Range is introduced

Berco® 31, 41, 45, 71, 72 Series are discontinued

1976

Claude Lyons® acquires Berco Controls Limited

1985

Claude Lyons® acquire the Transformer & Electrical Company Limited (TEC®)

1990

Claude Lyons® acquires The Zenith Electrical Company Limited

2016

Regavolt® 300,400,700,1225 Series is discontinued

Regavolt® LI Range is introduced

Claude Lyons Limited ceases manufacture at Waltham Cross

2017

The Allendale Group Limited acquires Lyons Instruments Limited

2018

The Allendale Group Limited acquires the registered trading names Claude Lyons, Regavolt, TS, TEC and Bercostat

2019

The Allendale Group Limited introduces new re-designed ranges 0f Regavolt® Variable Auto Transformers which meet the latest standard BS EN 61558-2-14

2020

The Allendale Group Limited introduces new re-designed Portavolt enclosed Regavolts with analogue or digital metering

2021

The Allendale Group Limited introduces new re-designed ranges of TS® Voltage Stabilisers which meet the latest standard BS EN 61558-2-26