Dorman Engineering Co was situated in Northampton with a factory on the corner of Mayorhold and Broad Streets where they built D.E.C. Engines. The firm was established around 1899 by Thomas Phipps Dorman and used patents held by Horace Walter Dover, who left the company to form his own selling motor and cycling accessories. He was very successful.
The Whirlwind name was better known in the cycling trade, and many were sold to leading cyclists of the day. Dover was very inventive and later formed Dover Ltd which marketed many of his patents. His wife too was highly regarded and in 1920 was decorated by the King for her services.
Note:
W.H. Dorman & Co was a different company based in Stafford. Established in 1870, it produced engines, among many other products. See also under Bradshaw.
Sources: Graces Guide, period literature.
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