In 1895 John Alfred Prestwich founded the JAP Company. The construction of a large factory in Tottenham soon followed. Prestwich was a prolific inventor who designed and manufactured. cameras, printers, projectors, and machines for perforating, measuring, and cutting films. He also was an expert at the art of making and showing films. By 1903 the company had already produced a 293cc motorcycle engine which was used on a Triumph bike. At about that time Britain’s motorcycle industry was going through an uncertain phase, however the JAP engines which were made to such high standards it was reported to be so reliable that their introduction many have claimed that JAP started the motorcycle industry in Britian. Between 1903 and 1909 JAP started to experiment with early motorcar construction. During this period the company when into partnership with the aviator A.V. Roe and constructed a monoplane which still survives today on show at the science museum. It is also stated that the company employed one of the first early women engineers. JAP also constructed speedway bikes. It is also claimed that speedway started at High Beech in Epping Forest on the banks of the Lea Valley. The factory closed in 1963 brought about by overseas competition.
