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- BEFORE & AFTER
In 1920, the M-type model VZ 1 1/2-to-2 hp was launched and all production of V models as moved to Westland Works. In 1923, the Petter-patented cold starter was introduced on the VB range of semi diesels, which became known as the "S" type. The VB 8 hp petrol-paraffin model was discontinued then as it clashed with the new VS (S type 8 hp) semi diesel.
Ernest Petter was knighted in 1925 for his assistance and expertise in presenting the British Empire Exhibition in 1925 at Wembley. However, a general strike and recession after WWI affected the Petter business so adversely that the Vickers Petter Ltd. Factory at Ipswich was closed and production consolidated at the Westland Works.
For the next few years, Petter concentrated on producing the M-type range petro-paraffin 1-1/2 to 6 hp and the improved VS range (S type) of semi diesels, 5 to 560 hp. All were 2-stroke up to 1928, when a range of diesel engines called the "Atomic" range was designed. These were from 5 to 480 hp in size, two-stroke but full diesel.
Also developed in 1936 was the 4-stroke small petrol T.V.O. engine, called the A type, in from 1-1/2 to 3 hp sizes. It became the work horse from post-WWII days to 1966, with many modifications including a water-cooled version. It was used on such equipment as milking machines and saw benches and to drive farm equipment.
In 1937, the engine industry was and nationalizing its ranges and during that time, Petters Ltd. Was acquired by a group of companies called the Associated British Oil Engine Co., Ltd. Each individual company carried on as an autonomous unit, but agreed to build a limited range of engines to avoid duplication and competition amongst themselves. Sir Ernest and Percy Petter became directors on the new board.
The winds of war were blowing across Europe again by then, though, and the British government aircraft production increased. In response, the new chairman of Associated and of Petters, A.P. Good, moved all engine production to the British Electrical Engine Co. plant in Loughborough. Westland Works became Westland Aircraft Co., and went into full production for the government.
In 1938, a new type of superscavenger engine went into production and continued to be made throughout the war, but it proved to be the last of the two strokes. Called the SS, this engine came in 2- to 6-cylinder versions with from 125 to 375 hp.
At the start of WWII, the S type semi-diesels were dropped and the Atomic engines were restricted to 5 to 20 hp only so production could be concentrated on the M, A and PU types, and the SS. In 1943, the SS was phased out and its design passed to Wireless, another group company similar to Associated.
Also at this time, another heavy engine company, J. & H. McLaneas, was acquired by Associated. Closely linked with Petters, McLaneas already was building some small Petter A type engines when the acquisition occurred.