How it started
History
Imperial Typewriters was established in 1902 in Leicester by Hidalgo Moya, a migrant from the United States. Originally focused on typewriter manufacturing, the company adapted its operations during World War I to produce munitions, supplying weapons for frontline forces. During World War II, Imperial Typewriters shifted back to prioritise typewriter production, achieving a significant milestone by supplying 150,000 units to the armed services.
At its peak in 1961, Imperial employed around 2,500 workers, making it one of Leicester's largest employers. The company gained recognition as an industry leader, showcasing its innovative typewriters at the British Industries Fair in the 1920s and again in the 1940s. These exhibitions featured advanced models equipped with interchangeable keyboards, designed for various industries and available in multiple languages. In 1970, Imperial achieved the highest export figures in the UK and was awarded the Queen's Golden Medallion, further solidifying its reputation in the manufacturing sector.
By the 1970s, Imperial Typewriters' fortunes began to decline. In 1967, the company was acquired by Litton Industries, a US-based conglomerate, for approximately $7.7 million. Litton owned several companies within the manufacturing sector, including operations in Germany and Japan, where cheaper materials and labour contributed to their competitiveness. By 1975, the Leicester factory became unsustainable, and production ceased. Litton attributed this decline to increased competition from German and Japanese markets, the rise of personal computers, and ongoing financial losses since the acquisition.
1974 worker strikes
The Imperial Typewriters strike was a significant labour dispute in May 1974 involving migrant workers at the Imperial Typewriters factory in Leicester. In 1966, it recruited migrant workers from India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean. Following the expulsion of Asians from Uganda by President Idi Amin in 1972, many resettled in Leicester, seeking employment, including at Imperial Typewriters.
From Wikipedia’s article on Imperial Typewriter Company, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2