The Lucy Story
Our history is one of innovation and bold decisions. We have achieved growth and diversification by believing in our people, investing in new products, taking brave decisions and building trusted relationships. We believe this heritage is a strong foundation for a bright future.
Our Future
We believe that our approach of investment, leading change and building long term relationships are the foundations for a strong future. The Group has positioned itself in strategic sectors and markets where we believe there will be sustained growth and where we can continue to improve people’s lives by delivering smart, sustainable solutions.
Our Heritage
It is believed that the origins of Lucy Group reach as far back as 1760. However, the Company has been in existence since 1812 when William Carter opened an ironmongery shop on the High Street in Oxford, UK. In 1825, the business moved to a new brass and iron foundry in Jericho in 1825, a site which became known as Eagle Works, and is still the headquarters of Lucy Group today.
Since then the Group has continued to expand and diversify into new markets and regions. Lucy Group now employs over 1,700 people and trades in over 70 countries.
Please see our illustrated timeline below to see a heritage of innovation, change and expansion:
2022
Lucy Group acquires an 80% majority shareholding in Flashnet S.A., a specialist in the design, development and manufacture of smart lighting and smart city control systems.
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2020
Planning permission accepted for St. Pauls House, the former Jericho health centre, with development work due to start in September 2021
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2019
Lucy Electric UK receives CEMARS certificate for reducing carbon emissions by more than 18% in eight years
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2015
Acquisition of Crompton Greaves™ equity interests in CG Lucy Switchgear Ltd and the GridKey business from Selex ES Ltd.
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2014
Lucy Electric’s Thailand manufacturing and commercial activities established.
2013
Acquisition of Truscanian Ltd, an aluminum and bronze casting business; Lucy Castings formed combining Truscanian Ltd and Sandawana Castings Ltd.
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2011
Zodion Limited Net Assets were acquired and integrated with Lucy Lighting to become Lucy Zodion Ltd.
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2008
Redevelopment of the former Eagle Works site complete; Lucy Real Estate business unit established to combine Lucy Properties and Lucy Developments.
2005
Lucy Electric moves to Thame and all manufacturing ends at Eagle Works; third factory opens in Dubai for RMUs and SF6 switchgear.
2003
Development agreement for Eagle Works signed with Berkley Homes.
2001
Major business reorganisation takes place to modernise and expand the Lucy Group.
1999
Lucy Electric opens first manufacturing unit in United Arab Emirates.
1996
Acquisition of Power Isolators Ltd & Power Connectors Ltd.
1994
CG Lucy Switchgear Ltd joint venture established with Grants Greaves.
1990
Richard Dick takes over as Chairman.
1989
Acquisition of Sandawana Castings.
1959
WL Shareholding Co Ltd incorporated, stabilising independent ownership.
1950
Gordon Dick succeeds as Chairman.
1930
Gordon Dick joins Lucy’s and together with Chief Engineer L.P. Lockwood undertakes a major redesign programme.
1925
John Reid Dick becomes Chairman.
1911
Lucy acknowledges future lies in the electrical business by joining BEAMA.
1905
William Madgen appoints John Reid Dick as Managing Director.
1897
Charles Kelley takes over and forms W Lucy & Co Ltd.
1864
Business changes name to Grafton & Lucy.
1838
Business (now owned by Charles Grafton) renamed Eagle Ironworks.
1825
Carter opens the Jericho Iron and Brass Foundry in Walton Well Road.
1812
William Carter opens an ironmongery business on Oxford High Street.