200 Years of Engineering Excellence
The Mills Legacy
In 1825, Matthew Mills laid the foundations of a remarkable engineering journey with the creation of Mills Engineering Co. Over two centuries, this legacy has evolved, leading to the establishment of Helical Springs in 1962 by his great-great-grandson, James Mills Morris, which would later become Helical Technology Ltd. Today, Helical stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship, precision engineering, and a commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
The Birth of Mills Engineering Co.
Born in 1806 Matthew Mills became an iron founder establishing Mills Engineering Co. of Heywood, Lancashire, in 1825. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in engineering innovation. Matthew sadly passed at the age of 56, but not before passing on his legacy to his Son James Mills.
Mills Engineering Co. was later expanded by his son James Mills to became James Mills & Co. who designed and manufactured ‘The Moss Engine’, a steam powered engine used in industrial applications. The creation of such an engine provides an insight into the technical expertise and inventive spirit present at the Moss Iron Works under James Mills.
James’ son Matthew William Mills went on to play a pivotal role in advancing sewage treatment technologies in the mid-19th century. He was a joint patentee of apparatus used to enhance the activated sludge process which was very widely adopted. His contributions significantly improved public health and environmental standards in the UK. In 1926 Ames Crosta Mills & Co. Ltd. was formed, developing sewage purification machinery patented by James Mills and Co. with Matthew Mills a director.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Mills family’s dedication to engineering excellence continued through the generations. James Mills Morris, great-great-grandson of Matthew Mills Snr., founded Helical Springs in 1962 in Lytham, Lancashire. Specializing in high-performance valve and injector springs, Helical Springs quickly gained recognition, serving prestigious clients like Rolls-Royce. The company achieved TS 16949 accreditation, underscoring its commitment to quality and precision.
Helical Technology Ltd. Today
Building upon the foundation laid by Mills Engineering Co., Helical Springs evolved into Helical Technology Ltd. Today, Helical is a leading manufacturer of advanced automotive components, including exhaust valves, rotators, and actuators, and continues to expand its product offering year on year. With a global presence and a reputation for innovation, Helical continues to honour its heritage while driving the future of automotive engineering.