Analox’s Legacy: A Journey Through Time with Bill Norrie

Analox’s Legacy: A Journey Through Time with Bill Norrie

Author: Michelle Wilson and special guest writer Bill Norrie
Offline Marketing Manager and Customer Experience Champion
Date of publication: 24.07.23

For over four decades, Analox has been a beacon of innovation and excellence. Recently, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Bill Norrie, a former engineer who joined Analox in the 80’s and stayed until his retirement in 2002. As an original member of the engineering team, Bill offers a captivating glimpse into the company’s early days. Join us as we embark on this nostalgic journey to uncover the intricacies of life at Analox during its formative years, as recounted by Bill Norrie himself.

I was one of the ‘Small Team’ at the premises above the charity shop in Guisborough, in 1981.

At that time, the team were:

• Alan Harbottle
• Rob Horner- Accounts
• Julie Brady – Office admin, Julie’s surname was not Brady at that time.. she was not married until later…
• David Walker – Technician
• Robert Potter – Technician
• And myself, Bill Norrie – Electronics Engineer Design & Development

We were at that time known as Scottish Anglo Environmental Protection.

If I remember correctly, the offices consisted of 4 rooms…. in a bit of a ‘Rabbit Warren’;

1. Alan’s office
2. The general office for Rob Horner and Julie Brady
3. A larger room used as a general workshop
4. My office was about the same size as Alan’s

My first project was the design of the Analox 101D2 Portable Oxygen Monitor (pictured below).

I remember providing a large data logging system for British Gas in 1982. The system was for use on board a Dive Support Vessel, to monitor and support divers carrying out routine maintenance, on gas rigs in the North Sea located off Hull. The system was based on a rack mounted PC with a VDU monitor and a series of interfacing modules which connected the various sensors on the diver, via his umbilical cable, to the PC.

I was responsible for the design and construction of the hardware and writing the software. Once the unit was finished, we had a bit of ‘fun’ getting the system out of my office, round corners and down a fairly steep set of stairs and onto a waiting truck.

Quickly, it became clear that we had outgrown the premises and Alan had been looking around for alternative accommodation. I can’t remember the actual date, but we moved to a large building in the Tees Offshore base and the company started to expand considerably, taking on many more employees and expanding the range of instruments. The company remained at the Tees Offshore Base for some time, until Alan found much more suitable premises at Wainstones Court in Stokesley.

I remained with the company in the position of Design & Development Manager, at Wainstones Court, until I retired in June 2002.

Bill Norrie

 

Thank you Bill for sharing your memories of Analox! Your invaluable insights into the company’s early days have given us a deeper appreciation for its rich history and the remarkable individuals who contributed to its success.

We cherish the opportunity to reconnect with past employees like Bill, as their stories continue to inspire and remind us of the enduring legacy of Analox.

Do you have your own stories and experiences with Analox to share? We’d love to hear from you! Join us in celebrating the legacy of this incredible company and the individuals who have been a part of its success. Together, let’s keep the spirit of innovation alive and inspire future generations. Share your memories with us today!
Email – marketing@analoxgroup.com