About Leeds Transformer

Leeds Transformer

Design & Manufacture Of Bespoke Transformers: The Leeds Transformer Story

Leeds Transformer Company was established in 1947, and since then we have specialised in the manufacture of bespoke, custom build, low-loss, energy-efficient, high-quality transformers and transformer rectifiers, designed and built with pride by our dedicated, highly skilled team at our works in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.

Our transformers and rectifiers range from 1 to 800kVA and are built to British and International standards, with short lead times, quality assurance traceably and conforming to the BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Standard, and if needed, documentation (Quality and Technical IOM Manuals with CAD drawings). We can liaise with consulting engineers and specifiers to produce the ‘right answer’ for your next project.

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1st September 1947

Electro Motor Rewind Service Begins

Max Harris and Walter Townley started “Electro Motor Rewind Service”, repairing electric motors, transformers and vacuum cleaners in a four roomed ‘lock-up shop’, in Meadow Road, Leeds, on the 1st September 1947, officially registering the company on the 5th September 1951.

1st September 1947

9th July 1964

Change Of Name

With the introduction of Bernard Coates as a Director, the ‘firm’ took on transformer design and manufacture with a change of name on 9th July 1964 to Electro Motor Rewind Service & Leeds Transformer Co.

9th July 1964

September 1965

Current Factory Opens

The Transformer Company employed more personnel and eventually moved to the present purpose built factory in September 1965. Walter Townley died in 1968, and is remembered as a good friend. 

September 1965

31st July 1972

Leeds Transformer Company Limited Setup

The Transformer side of the business performed particularly well, and the rewind side was dropped, with a final change of name to the present Leeds Transformer Company Limited, on 31st July 1972.

31st July 1972

1980's & 90's

Expansion

George Steele and Chris Jones – long term, electrically qualified, employees, joined by Mal Anderson, a Mechanical Engineer, took over the ownership from Max in 1986. A dedicated ‘Winding workshop’ was added in 1989. Nigel Wilkes, another long term employee, who is qualified in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, in addition to qualifications in Management, took over the company in September 1999. Nigel is now the majority shareholder and Managing Director.

1980's & 90's

2000's

Consolidation

A centrally heated stores was built in 2000. Max Harris, sadly, died suddenly in October 2005, aged 92. He was a director for 58 years, and maintained a keen interest in the Company to the end. His departure was the end of a significant era, and he is very much missed. Further expansion, early in 2009, into an adjacent factory, taken on as a warehouse, enabled reconfiguration of the old ‘Stores’ into a ‘Ferrous Workshop’. September 2009 saw our office and canteen structure replaced with purpose designed canteen, Ladies & VIP toilet & ‘Yard Office’ below, with Admin, Design and MD offices above. In July 2014, Leeds saw the installation of an Overhead Articulated Bridge Crane in the main workshop.
2000's

2010 - To Date

Recent Updates & Expansion

With our evolving production lines, it became apparent that we needed a larger floor area and greater height. To satisfy this requirement, in January 2020 we took on the rest of the factory adjacent to the 2009 warehouse. Moving our whole operation over to the our new building through 2020, this has given us a modern, efficient, well appointed, comfortable factory which is tailored to our needs.

George Steele, Chris Jones & Mal Anderson, all retired fully in September 2020 having served the Company for over 150 years between them.

In 2020/21 an Overhead Articulated Bridge Crane and high capacity electric hoist was added to the factory to improve our ability to handle larger projects, along with a larger drying / bake off oven.

2022 saw the upgrade of the computer system in readiness for Microsoft Windows 11 and telephone system ready for the digital change over.

A purpose designed, varnish impregnation tank added to work alongside the existing tank in 2024.

Leeds Transformer continues to advance its production facilities with new equipment and its employees with training through onsite and external courses.

2010 - To Date

Leeds Transformer

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a selection of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that we often get asked at Leeds Transformer, from inductors to transformers:

Leeds Transformer manufacture a wide range of bespoke transformers and rectifier units, including oil-cooled and air-cooled transformers, single and three-phase double wound transformers, and auto-transformers.

Yes, Leeds Transformer offer custom manufacturing of transformers to meet specific customer requirements, including enclosures designed for challenging spaces.

Yes, Leeds Transformer produce transformers for hazardous areas, including units for Ministry of Defence (MOD) and NATO projects.

Leeds Transformer conforms to BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Standards.

Our transformers and rectifiers range from 1 to 800kVA ratings.

Leeds Transformer

Meet The Team

Meet the dedicated team at Leeds Transformer Company, where experience meets innovation. Our team is committed to designing and building high-quality transformers and rectifiers.

Nigel Wilkes

Managing Director

Dedicated to ensuring the company’s vision and success.

Joined Leeds Transformer
09/04/1979

Emily Mann

Company Secretary & Financial Accounting

Ensuring smooth and accurate financial operations.

Joined Leeds Transformer
18/09/2017

Andrew Longley

Works Manager & Designer

Bringing expertise to Leeds Transformer’s product development.

Joined Leeds Transformer
03/03/2008

Marcin Janicki

Designer & Health & Safety

Ensures that design processes prioritise safety and compliance.

Joined Leeds Transformer
01/10/2018

Martin Brady

Works Supervisor

Overseeing on-site operations ensuring work is carried out efficiently.

Joined Leeds Transformer
04/07/2006
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