Ken Wood (manufacturer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Maynard Wood
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 4 October 1916 |
| Died | 19 October 1997 (aged 81) Liphook, Hampshire, England
|
| Occupation |
|
| Family | Charles Riley Maynard (grandfather) |
Kenneth Wood (born October 4, 1916 – died October 19, 1997) was a clever English engineer and businessman. He is most famous for starting the Kenwood Manufacturing Company. He also created the super popular Kenwood Chef food mixer, which many kitchens still use today!
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kenneth Wood was born in Lewisham, London. His grandfather was Charles Riley Maynard, who started the famous candy company, Maynards. Kenneth grew up in Chelsfield, Kent.
He went to Bromley County School. When he was just 14 years old in 1930, he left home. He joined the merchant navy and worked there for five years. After that, he studied electrical engineering and accounting at night school.
Starting His First Business
In 1936, Kenneth started his very first company called Dickson & Wood. His company sold, installed, and fixed radios and televisions. He was quite good at business from a young age!
World War II Service
In 1939, Kenneth sold his company. He then joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He worked as an engineer at the British Admiralty. There, he helped develop important technologies like radar and electronic controls. These were vital for the war effort.
Founding Kenwood Manufacturing
After the war, Kenneth Wood started a new company called Woodlau Industries in 1947. He worked with a friend from the war, Roger Laurence. They began making kitchen appliances in Woking.
The First Kenwood Products
Their first product was the A100 turnover toaster. This type of toaster was not common in the UK back then. Next, they created the A200 food mixer. This mixer was the early version of the famous Kenwood Chef. The Kenwood Chef was officially launched in 1950.
When Roger Laurence left the company, Kenneth changed the name to Kenwood Manufacturing Company Ltd. The company grew very fast! By 1961, it moved to Havant in Hampshire and had 700 employees.
Why Kenwood Was So Successful
Kenneth Wood was very smart. He looked for tasks that were hard for people to do in their homes. Then, he designed machines to make those jobs easier. This is why Kenwood products became so popular. Within a few years, Kenneth Wood became one of Britain's youngest millionaires!
Later Life and Other Ventures
In 1968, Kenneth Wood left Kenwood Manufacturing. Another company, Thorn Electrical Industries, took over Kenwood. However, Kenneth stayed interested in the company until he passed away.
He was honored for his achievements. In 1972, he was given the Freedom of the City of London. This is a special award.
Kenneth Wood also led other companies. He was involved with the Dawson-Keith Group, which made generators. He also became a Fellow of the Institute of Ophthalmology in 1984.
Interests and Philanthropy
Kenneth Wood was a keen golfer. He invested in Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook, which was near his home. He also founded Forest Mere Health Farm, which is now part of Champneys. He was also the chairman of the governors for Wispers School in Haslemere, Surrey.
Legacy
Kenneth Wood passed away on October 19, 1997, in Liphook, Hampshire, after a short illness. He left behind his wife, Patricia, his children, and stepsons.
On September 7, 2017, a special blue plaque was put up in his memory. It is located in Goldsworth Road, Woking. This is the exact spot where his company first started in 1947. Kenneth Wood's inventions made life easier for many families around the world.
Images for kids
-
A Kenwood Major food mixer.
