In 1937 the company was purchased by Major J.E. Hahn of Toronto, owner of
British
Canadian Engineering Limited, who took on the name "John Inglis and Company". In March 1938 the company won a contract with the British and Canadian governments to supply 5,000 Bren machine guns to Great Britain and 7,000 to
Canada. Both countries shared the capital costs of creating a factory to produce them. Inglis started production in 1940; and the contracts were extended several times. By 1943 they were producing 60% of the Bren machine guns destined for the British Commonwealth forces, and 30% of the British Army's own requirements. They also produced a large proportion of the Polsten 20 mm autocannon for the British Commonwealth, as well as the Browning Hi-Power pistol. They also produced the machinery for four Tribal class destroyers.
Small Arms Ltd. was formed to operate the facility. By June 1941, the first five rifles had been produced. Huge quantities of British-pattern military small arms were manufactured there during the Second World War, including such weapons as the Bren light machine-gun, the Sten submachine-gun or machine-carbine, and the Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk1 bolt-action battle rifle.
Small Arms Ltd. ceased operations at the end of December 1945. Beginning January 1, 1946, operations continued as the Small Arms Division, Canadian Arsenals Limited. The factory was closed June 30, 1976.
from Wikipedia
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