Tannoy Factory, Rosehall Industrial Estate

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 23 Oct 2011

Few companies' products have such a profound impact on our lives that their names enter the dictionary as generic descriptions for their inventions. There are notable exceptions such as Biro, for its ballpoint pen and Hoover for its vacuum cleaner. But in the audio field, Tannoy stands alone for its success in developing early public address systems and then continuing its reputation for pioneering audio solutions. The word Tannoy is synonymous with sound, appearing in the dictionary as: Like ‘Biro’ and ‘Hoover’, Tannoy is an example of where a brand name has entered the dictionary as a generic description for an invention. Tannoy became a household name as a result of supplying PA systems to the armed forces during World War II, and to Butlins and Pontins holiday camps after the war. It is now in common usage as a word for 'a communications system with loudspeakers, used for making announcements in public buildings.' The phrase 'Over the Tannoy' is universally used to describe a PA announcement. The company was founded in London, in 1926, but moved to Coatbridge in the 1970s. They manufacture hi fi speakers for home use as well as the monitors used in recording studios (as well as public address systems).

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