One Millionth Engine

Politicians, press and industry leaders arrived in Peterborough to celebrate the production of the millionth diesel engine for export by the pioneering Perkins factory.

This was a proud moment for the firm which, founded in 1932, had grown rapidly and taken the export drive to heart after war responding to the 'Export of Die' challenge of Prime Minister, Clement Atlee. Specialists in high-speed diesel engine production, Perkins felt the millionth one was certainly something to celebrate and one for the record.

With the eyes and cameras of the world's press watching, the special engine came off the line and was sprayed gold in honour of the milestone. As masters of publicity and promotion, Perkins pulled out all the stops with speeches, presentations and a special display of their products - a proud moment for Perkins and the people of Peterborough, so many of whom worked there.