The partnership was formed in 1775 to exploit Watt's patent for a steam engine with a separate condenser.
 This made much more efficient use of its fuel than the older Newcomen engine.
 Initially the business was based at the Soho Manufactory near Boulton's Soho House on the southern edge of the then-rural parish of Handsworth.
 However most of the components for their engines were made by others, for example the cylinders by John Wilkinson.

In 1795, they began to make steam engines themselves at their Soho Foundry in Smethwick, near Birmingham, England.
 The partnership was passed to two of their sons in 1800.
 William Murdoch was made a partner of the firm in 1810, where he remained until his retirement 20 years later at the age of 76.
 The firm lasted over 120 years, albeit renamed "James Watt & Co." in 1849, and was still making steam engines in 1895, when it was sold to W & T Avery Ltd..
The partnership was formed in 1775 to exploit Watt's patent for a steam engine with a separate condenser.  This made much more efficient use of its fuel than the older Newcomen engine.  Initially the business was based at the Soho Manufactory near Boulton's Soho House on the southern edge of the then-rural parish of Handsworth.  However most of the components for their engines were made by others, for example the cylinders by John Wilkinson.
In 1795, they began to make steam engines themselves at their Soho Foundry in Smethwick, near Birmingham, England.  The partnership was passed to two of their sons in 1800.  William Murdoch was made a partner of the firm in 1810, where he remained until his retirement 20 years later at the age of 76.  The firm lasted over 120 years, albeit renamed "James Watt & Co." in 1849, and was still making steam engines in 1895, when it was sold to W & T Avery Ltd..
Boulton and Watt