A Brief History of Baker Perkins
Baker Perkins traces its roots back to the 19th century when two North Americans made their way to England.
Jacob Perkins, a Massachusetts native and prolific inventor, moved to England in 1819. He dedicated much of his career to experimenting with high-pressure steam, working on innovations like machine guns and firefighting equipment. The Perkins family eventually developed a steam oven for baking bread, which laid the foundation for a successful enterprise.
At the same time, Joseph Baker, a Canadian, invented a simple flour scoop and sifter that significantly eased the workload of Victorian housewives. This invention was so successful that Joseph built a thriving business in Ontario before deciding to explore the English market in the 1870s.
The sifter became a hit in England, and the business quickly expanded, supplying machinery to the bakery, biscuit, chocolate, and confectionery industries. By the late 19th century, Joseph Baker & Sons Ltd had become a significant exporter and the leading food machinery manufacturer in the UK. Meanwhile, the Perkins company focused on expanding its range of bakery equipment for the domestic market.
Baker Perkins in Peterborough
The history of Baker Perkins in Peterborough dates back to 1903 when the Perkins business, having outgrown its London premises, purchased 10 acres of land in Peterborough, built a factory, and moved in the following year.
After the 1920 merger that formed Baker Perkins, the company operated from two factories—Perkins in Peterborough and Baker in Willesden, North London. However, the economic challenges of the 1930s led to the closure of the Willesden factory, with equipment and staff being transferred to Peterborough.
Baker Perkins continued to operate from the Westwood Works offices and factory in Peterborough until the late 1980s when it became part of APV. Following this, the company relocated to new premises on a greenfield site at Paston, about five miles away. The Paston site includes a unique Innovation Centre where Baker Perkins collaborates with its clients to develop innovative, value-added products now available in supermarkets worldwide.
In the late 1980s, the company acquired Tweedy of Burnley, which was then integrated into the Peterborough operations. The Tweedy name continues to be recognized in a market-leading range of dough mixers.
