Before the merger in 2020, each of our two manufacturing facilities were separate companies, each with their own, unique histories.

Through their stories, both locations have developed a distinct identity and character. As a joint company, we recognize and celebrate our differences and similarities. Embracing the unique strengths and perspectives of everybody, regardless of where they are located, adds strength to our brand and enables us to deliver higher performance at a global level. Read the unique histories of our two manufacturing facilities below.

Elfab’s history (North Shields, UK)

During the 1970s, the company purchased a local rupture disc manufacturing division called FA Hughes Ltd. As a result of this acquisition, the company was renamed Elfab Hughes – Elfab being an abbreviation of “electrofabrication.” Elfab’s first rupture disc – the RB76 – hit the market in 1976.

In 1993 the company was acquired by Halma plc. In 1994 it acquired the R Jenkins graphite rupture disc business and shortened its name to simply “Elfab.” Elfab began working alongside Oseco in the early 2000s, and both companies rebranded to show their linked identities.

Art, History, and Engineering

Laszlo Torday was not only a renowned physical chemist, he was also an accomplished amateur photographer. His photos of North Shields, Jesmond and Newcastle in the 1960s and 1970s are now part of the local heritage collection in Newcastle City Library. You can view nearly 1,000 of his photos online in the Flickr album Torday’s Newcastle.

Laszlo’s grandson, Paul Torday, joined the business as a director. Paul eventually retired and wrote the best-selling novel and film inspiration “Salmon Fishing on the Yemen.”

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