William Cockerill was a British entrepreneur who created a textile machine manufacturing business in Belgium.
His immigration to Belgium was a turning point because he was instrumental in founding the industrial spinning industry. In 1799, he began manufacturing machines for the spinning and carding of wool. In 1807 he was awarded the Legion of Honor by Napoleon for his services in manufacturing. In 1810 he became a Belgian citizen, and in 1813 he imported a Watt steam engine. His machines were also exported to France.
He began the spread of industrial technology to other countries.
