E.K. Cole, Ltd.

Founded by Erick Kirkham Cole in 1924, Ekco (for Erik Kirkham Cole, Limited), was an English electronics company that produced radios, and later, televisions. The firm expanded into plastics production for its own use, and was one of the first companies to use Bakelite in the fabrication of radio housings after it failed to find success with traditional wooden radio cabinets. Ekco began selling plastic cabinets in 1930, and had their own Bakelite presses on site. Ekco expanded its production during World War II to include aircraft and maritime radio systems and radar equipment. It was estimated that by the end of the war, the company had over 8,000 employees. In 1960, the company merged with Pye, continuing... more.