Alongside Lange, Blunt had constructed the commercial organization and maintained it through good times and bad. He served the Company from its birth to his resignation in October 1919, and though he then returned to America (joining his brother in a large foundry business) he continued to represent us for many years. He was conspicuous for geniality and kindness and for his fondness for sport, which dated from early prowess at lacrosse and Rugby football.

Another pioneer, A. M. Randolph, who had been manager of the detail department since 1910, returned in 1919 to America, where in spite of ill-health he represented our interests until his death in 1927. Randolph, who had served for more than thirty-three years with Westinghouse Companies, was a popular figure in the works; he was felt to represent industrialism on its highest plane and was a beneficial influence on all around him.

Lange was succeeded by Lincoln Chandler, at that time managing director of the Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon and Finance Company, but this appointment did not last out the year. At the beginning of 1919 a new managing director came on the scene—R. S. Hilton. Captain Hilton, as he was always known, spent the early part of his career in Lancashire as a mining engineer and colliery manager. In 1911, at the age of 41, he became manager of the Birmingham Corporation Gas Department, and during the war he was seconded from the Royal Warwickshire Regiment to a Government post to organize the country's gas undertakings for the manufacture of toluol and high explosives.

'METROPOLITAN-VICKERS'
Hilton's arrival at Trafford Park was only one of the significant events of 1919. A few weeks later, too soon for any progress to be made with Docker's larger plans, the Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon and Finance Company and with it the British Westinghouse were acquired by the world-famous firm of Vickers Limited, who wished to be able to supplement their production of steel, ships, trains, and machinery with that of the associated electrical equipment. As a result of this association, which ebbing and flowing over the years still exists, there appeared on September 8, 1919, the new title 'Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company', a name that has become famous particularly in abbreviated forms such as the official 'Metrovick' and the colloquial 'M-V or, locally, 'Metros'. This was also the first year in which ordinary shareholders of the Company received a dividend: 8 per cent was paid in respect of £1,000,000 of shares, which had been allotted to the Metropolitan Carriage Company in April for cash.

In November 1919 G. E. Bailey, superintendent of the engine department, was appointed works manager, another step that was to prove decisive for the welfare of the Company. Bailey succeeded McLean, an uncompromisingly honest Scotsman who had decided to retire after having been associated with the Westinghouse Companies since 1897. McLean was plant and motor superintendent before becoming works manager in 1916, and he had taken a valuable interest in apprentice training; he received the M.B.E. for his work during the war.