Dowty Reorganisation Forecast -1959

Dowty Reorganisation Forecast – 8 May 1959

When Sir George Dowty presented prizes to Rotol apprentices on May 8 he said he had been happy to receive an invitation to do so, as it gave him an opportunity of meeting Rotol apprentices for the first time as members of the Dowty organization.

Sir George, who is chairman and managing director of the Dowty Group and chairman of Rotol Ltd., commented that Government policy in reducing the size of the manned air force was having a profound effect on the group’s order books. The falling-away of military orders meant that there was intense competition in the civil aviation business.

Changes would have to be made in the group to ensure a proper integration of its activities; and concern for the future and possible feelings of insecurity was natural. “But I am an optimist,” said Sir George. “From that day twenty-eight years ago when I started my own business single-handed, my optimism has never faltered. Although the Rotol company has joined us at a time when we have entered what will undoubtedly prove to be a permanent depression in the aircraft industry, there is no need for undue alarm.”

Sir George was introduced by Lt-Gen. Sir John Evetts, deputy chairman of Rotol, and presented prizes to 99 apprentices. Both before and after the prizegiving ceremony the newly opened exhibition hall was thronged with visitors to see a display of Rotol/British Messier products.