Torquemeters is proud to be able to celebrate an important milestone in its long history; our 70th anniversary!
Founded in the early years of the jet age, Torquemeters pioneered the development of the earliest optical torquemeter measurement devices and is, today, one of the leading high speed driveline and test rig designers in the world. Established by R D van Millingen, a member of Frank Whittle’s pioneering Power Jets team that developed the first aero gas turbine, the business has been based in Ravensthorpe, Northamptonshire in the UK since it was incorporated on the 1st of March 1951. From unassuming beginnings working from a barn in the village, the company now operates from a purpose-built facility and has grown into a specialist engineering business with over 50 employees supporting the development and operational programmes of some of the largest aerospace, automotive, energy and industrial companies in the world.
Over the past 70 years, Torquemeters has been responsible for the innovation of the first phase-shift torquemeters, now widely used both for testing & development and for continuous duty operation in the Oil & Gas industry, together with some of the most high-performance driveline solutions available today for aerospace, e-motor and turbocharger applications. A recipient of the Queen’s Award for export in the 1990’s, the business has long-standing customer relationships and collaborates with industry-leading development groups around the world, driving a high proportion of overseas sales.
A stalwart of the Northamptonshire business community, Torquemeters is still a family business led by the sons of the original founder; James and Ben Van Millingen. Managing Director, Ben commented “It is wonderful to be able to mark this anniversary with all of our employees, and customers who have supported us over the years. We’ve been fortunate to have had such long & excellent service and commitment from our highly skilled employees, both past & present, and the success of the business is testament to their effort and expertise.”