An historic Derbyshire engineering company has gone into administration. Butterley Limited, based in Ripley, constructed the famous Ticknall Tramway, whose distinctive arch over the A514 has become an icon for Ticknall Life. The decision to build the tramway was taken after a feasibility survey was carried out by Butterley Company's co-founder Benjamin Outram. The Ticknall Tramway was opened in 1802, three years before Outram's death.
The company was formed in 1790 and was behind projects such as the Cromford Canal and more
recently, the innovative Falkirk Wheel. Their bread and butter activity for many years has been the manufacture of steel bridges and industrial cranes.
Between 1868 and1877 they were responsible for manufacturing the roof which stretches over all the original platforms of St. Pancras station, London, now the UK terminus for Eurostar trains to the continent. Designed by William Henry Barlow, the arch of glass and iron spans 240 feet and is over 100 feet tall. At the time it was completed it was the largest unsupported roof in the world.
Now administrators are looking at ways to keep some 
parts of the business going. Fifty-one out of the 91-strong workforce have lost their jobs. Administrator Neil Tombs of Grant Thornton said: "This is a highly specialist business that has proven vulnerable to the economic downturn."
For a comprehensive history of the Ticknall Tramway see the booklet "The Ticknall Tramway" by Geoffrey Holt published by Ticknall Preservation and Historical Society, and available from the Village Shop or by mail order. Go to DOCUMENTS on the main menu to download the order form, or just CLICK HERE.
