Lonsto's
History - 1970 - 1979

The Origins of Lonsto

January 1970: Lonsto (International) Limited, was founded by Rodger Ian Dudding, a qualified Engineer. Whilst working in Sweden, he was introduced to an innovative, organised queuing concept and decided to develop the rudimentary idea into a product tailored for the UK.Lonsto commenced operations in London, NW8 and launched the company under the name “Take-a-ticket and Queue Management Systems (QMS).”

1972: Due to expansion, the company relocated to Muswell Hill, London N10.The first systems were pre-printed ticket types with electro-mechanical indicator panels.

1973: Launched electronic indicator panels.

1974: Awarded first H.M. Government (HMG) contract for supply and installation as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to Benefit Agency offices.

1974: Awarded major contract by Green Shield Trading Stamp Company (GS) to equip entire branch network of some 150 outlets with QMS.

1974: Designed and developed “Counter Position Reception Light”systems to designate counter positions –employed by HMG and GS.

1975: Further HMG contracts to supply and install as OEM to DOE, Employment Service and Inland Revenue office, PLEO offices throughout UK.

1975: Awarded first bank contract with Barclays, NatWestand Midland Banks.

1975: Awarded contracts by various Local Authorities for QMS to rating, housing departments and DHSS. Contracts also for NHS Hospitals.

1975: Awarded further contracts by banks, Co-op Societies, John Lewis Group, Clarks Shoe Group.

1976: Designed and launched LED (Light Emitting Diode) display electronic indicator panels, to supersede standard units with greater definition.

1976: Founded Lonsto Security Systems to manufactured range of anti-theft equipment. Awarded supply contracts from Local Authorities and many major retailers.

1977: Sold first QMS System to Tesco Plc for delicatessen counters. The first UK supermarket group to adopt Lonsto QMS concept was at Stevenage supermarket.

1980 - 1989 >