C.F.F. Wearne and Co founded on 1 April 1906 by two brothers Charles and Theodore Wearne. They set up the motorcar agency with $700 in capital.
On 23 November 1912, C.F.F. Wearne and Co became a public company under the name of Wearne Brothers Limited with a capital of $275,000.
Subsidiary companies formed to handle different car agencies. Malayan Motors opened its doors at Orchard Road, handling all car makes except Ford.
When the company celebrated its 20th anniversary, it already has more than 1,000 staff under its employment, with operations in Burma, Malaya and the Straits Settlements.
Wearne Brothers launched the first commercial air service between Singapore and Malaya with Wearnes Air Services.
A subsidiary, General Transport Company, led the way in public transport and introduced three double-decker bus services.
Wearne Brothers Limited became a holding company, all trading activities were carried out by wholly owned subsidiaries.
Mr Tan Chin Tuan appointed Chairman of the company, and intensified efforts to diversify the company’s businesses.
Tan Sri Tan Chin Tuan retired, Mr Tang I-Fang took over as Chairman. The company took advantage of its strong financial position to diversify into new, profitable businesses at home and abroad.
Wearnes computers designed by its Wearnes Technology subsidiary Advanced Logic Research (ALR) enjoyed impressive sales.
Wall Street Journal named Wearnes as one of the 66 companies of the future “that could make our world different tomorrow”.
Chairman Tang I-Fang wins “Businessman Of the Year” Award.
Wearne Brothers was one of the first Singapore companies to venture into Shenyang, China.
Wearne Brothers Limited was renamed WBL Corporation Limited.
Group turnover crossed $1 billion mark for the first time.
Group records revenue of $1.8 billion and second highest net profit of $66m under Chairman Tang’s leadership.
Mr Tan Choon Seng appointed new Group CEO.
Wearnes streamlined its businesses into three core divisions: Technology Manufacturing, Technology Solutions and Automotive Distribution.
Wearnes celebrated its centennial on 1 April 2006
Mr Tang I-Fang retired; Mr Wong Nang Jang took over as Chairman
Wearnes streamlined its Investment portfolio – divestment of biomedical and water treatment businesses
Wearnes announced joint venture with Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Real Estate on property development in Shenyang
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