History

George Kynoch establishes a percussion cap factory in Birmingham, UK, laying the foundation for IMI’s innovative spirit.

One of the earliest recorded female employees at IMI, Mrs McNab, played a huge role in our company, from running the caps department at the age of 22 to her retirement in 1902.

The business becomes a major supplier of carburettors and radiators for cars and planes.

The company merges with three others to become Imperial Chemical Industries (ICl), the UK's largest chemicals and metals supplier.

Renamed Imperial Metal Industries (IMI) on its 100th anniversary, marking a new era of growth.

IMI receives its first London Stock Exchange listing.

One of the world leaders in fluid and motion control, Norgren was acquired by IMI and operated as the Group’s fluid power division. The later creation of IMI product brands marked a significant strategic shift.

IMI separates from ICI, becoming an independent engineering group focused on innovation.

IMI CCI had joined IMI and, through successful acquisitions, built its Process Automation sector into a major, worldwide valve manufacturing business.

The company restructures and the metal smelting, foundry and construction related businesses are divested.

IMI HQ moves to Birmingham Business Park, reinforcing its UK roots and global ambitions.

IMI enters the FTSE 100 for the first time.

IMI sells its Beverage Dispense and Merchandising divisions for $1.1bn, sharpening focus on industrial flow control.

The Growth Hub is introduced, a global innovation engine driving agility, customer-centric solutions, and cultural transformation.

Roy Twite, who began his career at IMI as a graduate, is appointed Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, IMI introduces its purpose: Breakthrough engineering for a better world, reinforcing innovation and customer focus.

Adaptas acquisition strengthens Life Sciences offering with advanced analytical instrument components.

The acquisition of Heatmiser expands IMI into smart building solutions with connected thermostatic controls.

The acquisition of TWTG accelerates Process Automation with IoT-enabled asset monitoring solutions.

One IMI rebrand unifies global teams under a single identity, reflecting IMI’s purpose: Breakthrough engineering for a better world.