At the turn of the century (1900), the only significant industrial activity in the Yeovil area was that undertaken by Petter Oil Engines Ltd, a family firm founded by Twin brothers Percy and Ernest. By the outbreak of the first World War the company was a major producer of standing oil engines, providing power for small industrial facilities and agricultural applications.

By 1915 the business had grown into a major industry with its own foundry and steel working facilities. It was at this point that Sir Ernest Petter offered to devote his entire capability to the war effort, and was promptly awarded a contract from the Admiralty to produce Short Type 184 seaplanes.

At the time it had been planned to build a new forge on ground situated to the west of Yeovil, this plan was abandoned and immediately turned over to aircraft manufacture.