The Mustang Communications Story

A potted history of Mustang

Mustang Radio Company was formed in 1966 in connection with a venture to manufacture radio antennae for mobile communications. Work became more diverse and was soon to encompass pro-audio systems, and to reflect this move, the Company was renamed Mustang Communications in 1972 by which time 90% of turnover related to installation of professional public address systems using 100V and low impedance techniques. Initially, work was confined to the local area, but by 1973 the radius of operations had spread to an area bounded by the South coast, the Scottish Borders, and the West coast , and most installations were associated with high level music, background music, and theatre systems.

Mustang? - Why the name Mustang
Over the years, many people have asked what is the significance of the name “Mustang”. Some have ventured to suggest that there might be some connection wth fast American cars or horse racing. In fact it was nothing so playful. The Mustang name was chosen and registered for the 1966 project to associate us with the concept of wild untamed energy, dynamism, vitaility, muscle, speed, power, ....not because we were much younger then - but as characterised by the wild South American horse of that name.

In 1970, the company became a member of the Association of Public Address Engineers (APAE), which was later to become the Association of Sound & Communication Engineers (ASCE), which was later amalgamated with the Professional Lighting And Sound Association (PLASA). APAE membership was a move which indicated to customers and competitors alike that the company "meant business", and many useful contacts have been made over the years.
By 1972, it was clear that suppliers to the company were unable to meet the standards of service or reliability which, in turn, would allow Mustang to offer the highest standards which our customers expected. The decision was taken to enter the field of manufacturing. This in itself was not a giant leap as the company had for several years been custom manufacturing certain items of amplification to meet the exact requirements of customers . However, the intial modest catalogue of standard products met with instant appreciation.
Manufacturing output increased rapidly and by 1980 some sizeable and prestige contracts had been gained. Most notable amongst these was the manufacture of all public address equipment requirements for the giant Plessey Communications Group. The manufacturing facilities had been cramped for some years, and in 1980 the Company moved to purpose-built premises on an industrial estate.
This offered vastly increased space for all aspects of the business, which by then had encompassed all metalworks, PCB's, screen printing, and even transformer winding, as well as assembly and test. Sufficient freehold land was purchased for a seven-fold expansion and this is the current location of the Company.
		The staff worked hard to establish firm business links with many key PA installation contracting companies, major industrial concerns, local authorities, utilities, and the emergency services and MOD, and by 1985 it was clear that all installation activities should cease to enable concentration on product manufacture.
In 1989, a limited liability company was formed - Mustang Communications Ltd - and further key staff were recruited. The company has continued to expand, even through difficult recessionary times, and at no time has either quality of product or service been diluted to meet transitory commercial pressures. The product portfolio has continued to expand and the present catalogue runs to some 250 items, covering stand-alone amplifiers, Voice Alarm, AC/DC systems, 19" hardware, transformer volume controls, and a variety of ancillary items. It is our firm belief that our attention to detail, the robustness of product, and a second-to-none service have been the key factors in the sucess of the Company. ----------------------------------------------------------- - and to the present... In April 2017 the decision was taken by the directors and staff to cease all production and close the business. The factory and land would be sold. There was no external pressure, financial or health reason influencing the decision. Residual component stocks and spares will be acquired by a new company - TetleyTronics - who will offer repairs and spare parts for existing Mustang amplification, thus firmly continuing the policy of best possible customer service. To be continued (July 2018)

Registered office - Mustang Communications Ltd., Dunslow Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, YO11 3UT. Company registration 2389242. VAT registration GB 546781902