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Industry and Commerce
Since the inception of Welwyn Garden
City nearly 65 years ago (the official foundation date is 1920) industrial
activities have expanded greatly. New projects following new discoveries,
have made great strides, and the list of activities is long and varied.
Here follow brief comments on some of the firms and tradesmen who help
to make, and share, the Garden City's prosperity.
The Alcuin Press
was founded in Chipping Campden, in Gloucestershire, in 1925 to produce
rare books by hand. By 1935 the business had developed, so that larger
premises were needed, and the opportunity was taken to move to a new and
growing town within easy reach of London.
WeLwyn Garden City lived up to
expectations and the business prospered. In 1947 a second bay was added
to the factory and the layout extended to enable a large output to be
achieved.
Since 1950 the printing of technical
and non-technical periodicals and journals in black and colour, advertising
and publicity brochures and stationery has been introduced and a tradition
of service and quality established. The company's experience covers the
whole field of letterpress printing. A competent staff of skilled tradesmen
combine with an enthusiastic management to satisfy the most careful customer,
and the sales staff are thoroughly trained and able to advise on any point.
The name "Alcuin" was
chosen by the founder of the business for special reasons. Alcuin was
born in York in 735 and was educated at the Cathedral school there, subsequently
becoming its head. As a scholar and ecclesiastic of the eighth century
he is important in European history in that he carried the learning of
the British Isles to the court of Charlemagne and so to Western Europe.
Alcuin copied numerous manuscripts before printing was invented; and this
was in the founder's mind when he chose the name.
It is interesting to note that
the tradition of this great man lives on at the Alcuin Press.
For up-to-date hair styles and
comfortable surroundings, André can suit all clients.
Dennis Barley & Sons
Ltd. are Ford dealers and carry a good stock of reliable used
cars, combined with a servicing station.
Bailey and Little Ltd.
started a decorating business in 1954, and have established themselves
as contractors to schools, hospitals, etc. From their shop premises opened
in 1960 the company supplies gardening equipment, domestic hardware and
a free advice service on do-it-yourself items.
B.C.R. Factories Ltd.
Sandpapers, or more correctly, coated abrasives, are things which
ordinary people rarely think have to be manufactured. Nor is it generally
realised to what extent and in how many different varieties these products
are used in industry.
Most people have used pieces of
glasspaper to finish off some home carpentry, or pieces of emery cloth
to clean up some metal work, but not many people have used waterproof
paper in a flow of water to get the paint-work of a motor car to the right
finish for the final coat, or seen a floor surfacing machine produce the
same effect on a badly worn wood block floor as a mower on a tennis court.
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B. C. R. Factories Ltd.
(click image to enlarge) |
These special types of coated abrasives,
and the many others used largely on machines for preparing the surfaces
of such widely separated products as furniture and felt hats and ships'
propellers and shoe leather, need a high technical skill in manufacture
and a scientific knowledge and control of the materials used. For instance,
it is not easy to measure the thickness of a film of hot wet glue on moving
paper, which may be part of a reel containing a two mile length, but this
and similar problems have been overcome by B.C.R. Factories in their constant
efforts to improve the quality and regularity of their goods. One of their
products, made specially for metallurgical laboratories, contains so fine
an abrasive that the coated side is smoother than the paper to which it
is applied. At the other end of the scale is material coarse enough to
trim the roughest welded joint.
Bourne Chemical Industries
Limited, manufacturers specialising in the production of red
lead and litharge, has, during the last twenty-two years, achieved an
ever increasing international reputation.
Their modem factory at Welwyn
Garden City supplies lead oxides to industries throughout the world, essential
to the manufacture of products, ranging from the luxurious; finest cut
crystal glassware and ceramics, to the basic necessities such as accumulators
for cars, heavy vehicles and submarines, electronic valves and cathode
ray tubes, linoleum, cables and paints for rust prevention.
Such is the constantly increasing
demand that this unique and modern plant, now considerably larger than
originally planned, is in continuous operation twenty-four hours a day.
The development of scientifically
designed plant not only assures a high degree of efficiency and quality
in production but guarantees the perfect safety and health of the operatives
in what was once regarded as a hazardous occupation.
Sales are conducted from offices
in the City of London and there is a very active associated company in
Holland with whom the latest developments and technical information are
exchanged.
Proof of the success of the Broadbans
Engineering Company Limited is the expansion of their premises
to take in adjoining buildings early in 1962, and the proposed erection
of additions at the end of the year. Specialists in injecting moulds for
the Manimold machine, and other special purpose engineering equipment,
the firm does sub-contract engineering of prototype work, and short batch
production of engineering parts for home or export.
The Broadwater Press Limited
was founded in 1927 to provide an adequate service for a growing
town. By its concentration on craftsmanship during the 35 years of its
life, the Press has become firmly established as one whose work for both
home and export markets is known by some of the most famous organisations
in England.
The carefully selected staff is
backed by a first-class modern plant and machinery.
In the large monotype section
and caseroom the typefaces used are carefully chosen to offer a wide range
for modern and contemporary display and text setting including those for
foreign languages for overseas markets, with typefaces also for work of
a more traditional character.
In the machine room there are
many fast running automatic presses, both letterpress and offset litho
of the latest design, offering a comprehensive service from small to large
sheet-work in black and fine register colour printing.
The fully mechanized bindery section
and warehouse completes the service, and the same care and attention is
given as in all other departments.
In 1936 Catomance Limited
took possession of a single factory bay in Bridge Road East with the object
of developing a new chemical process for the waterproofing of textiles.
It is now recognised as a leading company in the manufacture of chemicals
for the preservation of textiles and has developed a range of over sixty
specialised compounds sold in world markets. The company has expanded
into other buildings in Bridge Road East and Broadwater Road.
Cotrim's (Welwyn) Limited.
Part of a county-wide business is discharged at 32 Brownfields,
Welwyn Garden City, by Cotrims (Welwyn) Ltd., who also have an established
branch in Plantagenet Road, New Barnet, Herts., and are proud members
of the Association of Master Upholsterers.
Tht craftsmen employed by the
company apply a skill and technique which makes all upholstery work undertaken,
whether in the form of repair work or manufacture, a highly commendable
example of quality and a very definite credit to the ancient craft of
upholstery.
Having moved from Mill Green Camp
to the present new factory, the company have been able to expand their
departments for making loose covers and curtains, and for carpet planning.
Thus with a coachtrimming workshop at New Barnet they now offer the most
comprehensive range of service obtainable in the county.
Curd Components Limited
supply a wide range of Aircraft standard parts, produced to the
drawings of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors and to British
Standard Specification, and are incorporated wherever possible on every
British aircraft, thus considerable interchange ability is ensured and
constructors and operators can obtain at reasonable cost, parts which
are common to many aircraft. This simplifies servicing and the periodic
overhauls demanded under Air Navigation Regulations. Such parts are often
used in light aircraft, airliners, military aircraft and missiles alike.
Curd Components Limited was founded
in St. Albans in 1950, moved to Bayswater in 1953 and to Welwyn Garden
City in 1958. During this period the company has esiablished a reputation
for the supply of aircraft parts all over the world. Exports represent
25 per cent of the company's turnover. Comprehensive stocks, of an ever
increasing range of parts, are maintained to provide a prompt service.
Special attention is given to customers requiring small quantities for
prototype and experimental projects.
The future prospects of the firm
of Davenport (London) Limited, are excellent. Work in
developing and testing new scientific instruments is continually in progress,
and steady sales are maintained to most countries throughout the world.
Dawnays Limited
was established in 1870, and produces structural steelwork of all descriptions
for markets at home, and various countries in the Middle East, Caribbean,
South America and Australasia.
Elliston's (Welwyn) Ltd.
are wholesale distributors of all types of electrical equipment and engineers'
sundries to contractors, retailers and industrial users. It is the only
concern of its kind operating in the Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield area.
Three thousand different items of electrical equipment, tools and engineers'
sundries are stocked. Daily deliveries are made to all parts of Hertfordshire
and a night and week-end emergency service operates to deal with breakdowns.
Dickinson and Adams (Luton)
Limited has recently celebrated its golden jubilee, and is fortunate
in having the two partners still in active control. There are five depots
in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire which deal in Morris, Rover, Standard
and Triumph cars.
Eylure Limited was
founded in 1947 to manufacture fix-on eyelashes, finger nails, and eye
cosmetics. Originally for Hollywood film studios and TV artists, they
are now becoming popular with many women. The company is widening the
range of products, which it exports to America and twelve other countries.
Fine Fare Limited
is a leader in the Supermarket field. Following a £30 million development
programme, new stores in various parts of the country are being opened
at the rate of two or three per week. A comprehensive range of foodstuffs,
fresh, frozen and tinned, and all domestic cleaning requirements (many
of them at reduced prices) are on sale.
When Forge Craft Ltd.
was founded in 1935 its prime functions in industry were the
fabrication of ornamental wrought iron work and tube manipulation. In
1939 the company's craftsmen devoted themselves to the production of glycol,
fuel, cabin and heating tubes for the aircraft industry. Immediately the
war ended this progressive organisation used its experience and knowledge
in the cable, electronic and building industries. The latest activity
of this go-ahead company is the production of the "Aquadri"
water collector. Waterlogged sports pitches may be cleared quickly and
effectively by motorised or manually driven machines by a most ingenious
method. Wembley Stadium, many of the leading football clubs, and the Greyhound
Racing Association use these machines and have expressed their approval.
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An aerial view of the Forge Craft factory
(click image to enlarge) |
Guessens Hotel was
taken into its present ownership in 1952, and after changes in style and
policy, the resulting first class rating is well deserved. Among the amenities
offered are special diets (on request) and more than one foreign language
is spoken. Twenty per cent of the visitors are foreigners calling on the
local factories.
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Guessens Hotel
Photo from a Guessens Hotel advertisement in the handbook
(click image to enlarge) |
The Headway Construction Company
Ltd. has been known in Hertfordshire and the South-East of England
since 1921 under its former name of Welwyn Builders Ltd.; the Company
has been actively concerned in the building of Welwyn Garden City since
the early days of the town.
The activities of the Company
extend to all parts of the United Kingdom. The reputation that has been
earned for a consistently high standard of workmanship, familiarity with
every new development in construction, and speed in execution, is now
associated with the name Headway Construction Company Ltd., throughout
the country.
Herault Studio Ltd.,
founded in 1946, is a company specialising in displays in all materials,
exhibition stands and screen printing. First-class designers and modern
plant ensure constant high quality of production, which is adapted to
modern techniques and world-wide requirements. Especial knowledge in the
use of plastics for brilliant sign and decorative effects and the more
technical work on metal and plastics to fine limits is at the disposal
of interested clients.
Reg Hunt was
born at Hatfield Hyde in 1913, and has seen Welwyn grow from a small village
to the large and beautiful Garden City as it is known today. He left school
at the age of 14 and started work immediately. At 21, he got a Heavy Goods
Driving Licence and obtained a position as a heavy goods lorry driver.
In 1958 he bought his first coach, and is now the proud owner of five
modern vehicles, the firm being called "Reg's Coaches".
R. F. Jones has
a record of nearly forty years as plasterers and composition floor layers.
Any type of plaster floor in any kind of building can be undertaken. Contract
work is welcomed.
Johns and Kelynack Ltd.
is the result of the combination of three chemists of vision nearly thirty
years ago, when Mr. D. W. Johns foresaw the benefits of opening a pharmacy
away from the town, and the premises at Cole Green Lane were opened, for
the distribution of all pharmaceutical supplies.
Knorr Anglo Swiss Ltd.
commenced activities in Great Britain in 1957. These packet soups
originally came from Switzerland, but after establishing themselves in
English kitchens it became an economic proposition to open a factory,
and all soups and cubes are now manufactured at Welwyn Garden City.
The Lemsford Engineering
and Sheet Metal Products Company can supply all sheet metal fabrications,
press work, spray painting and light assemblies. As sub-contractors to
H.M. Ministries, London County Council and Post Office, work is naturally
of a very high standard.
Specialists in the manufacture
of direct current welding equipment, arc welding electrodes and arc welding
accessories, Lincoln Electric Company Ltd., was originally
established in 1935 in a small factory in Broadwater Road, Welwyn Garden
City. Developing rapidly, the company took over an adjoining factory in
1937 and in 1949 additional premises were occupied. In 1955 the Lincoln
Electric Company Limited became part of the well-known Guest Keen and
Nettlefold Group, and with the continued expansion of the company's business
it was decided to build a large new factory.
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An aerial view of the Lincoln Electric Co. Ltd.
(click image to enlarge) |
Occupying a site on the new industrial
area to the North East of Welwyn Garden City and complete with its own
railway siding, this factory, which itself is largely of welded construction,
covers an area of over 180,000 sq. ft. and was opened in May, 1957. The
greatly increased manufacturing facilities provided by the new premises
have resulted in production being more than doubled and Lincoln Electric
Company Limited welding equipment can now be seen in the majority of engineering
workshops in the United Kingdom. A high proportion of the output is also
sent abroad to many parts of the world, and agents for the company's products
can be found in more than fifty countries.
J. Lingham-French &
Son Ltd. (Park Studios, Hatfield), is now based in Hatfield after
leaving Ilford in Essex. Freelancing and teaching photography are an indication
of the standard of work which will be supplied. General commercial and
industrial photography in colour and black and white - ciné work
and stills. On the retail side, a working partnership with Mrs. Lingham-French
should be productive of great goodwill between local industry and commerce,
and the private customer.
The Norton Grinding Wheel
Company Limited was established in 1930 and has continued to
progress over the years. The firm manufactures abrasives, grinding wheels,
heavy duty refractories and refractory cements, ceramic spray coatings
and oilstones, for home and export. These products are used in the manufacture
of almost any industrial and domestic item. The Welwyn Garden City plant
is one of 26 factories operating in twelve countries which makes the organisation
the world leader in the manufacture of abrasives and abrasive products.
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Norton Abrasives
Photo from a Norton Abrasives advertisement in the
handbook
(click image to enlarge) |
Peartree Welding and Engineering
Company Limited has already been trading under the name of T.
J. Ryan. The firm has been nominated by County authorities to supply constructional
metal work for new schools, and also makes precision moulds for many local
industries. It is hoped that in the near future machinery will be installed
to handle sheet metal work, milling, grinding and machine assembly.
Polypenco Limited was
established in 1957, and engaged in industrial plastic extrusions and
machined components and polytetrafluoroethylene. The manufacture of massive
nylon castings, etc., are for the home and export market. There are associated
companies in various parts of the world. Continual expansion due to up-to-date
research methods is anticipated in all branches of the firm's activities.
The firm of William Rhodes
Limited was founded in 1840 by the grandfather of the present
chairman. It was one of the earliest firms to produce spring interior
mattresses and divans, whose enormous popularity resulted in a new plant
being in Nottingham in 1925, and yet another at Welwyn Garden City in
1957. These products are exported to many parts of the world, and have
set a high standard of manufacture and cleanliness.
The Royal Exchange Assurance
is one of the oldest insurance offices in the world, having been incorporated
by Royal Charter in 1720. its Head Office was then, as it is now, nearly
two and a half centuries later, situated at the Royal Exchange in the
City of London. It has branch offices in all the principal towns in the
United Kingdom as well as in most countries overseas.
Although the Royal Exchange Assurance
has an ancient origin, it iss modern and up-to-date in its outlook and
as early as 1935 the decision was made to mechanise, by means of a punched
card installation, the accounting and renewal systems. This venture proved
most successful and in 1939 this branch of the organisation was removed
to premises in Welwyn Garden City. Despite the setbacks occasioned by
the second world war, a steady expansion had taken place until in 1956
the move to new and larger premises erected at 99 Bridge Road East became
necessary. This building is specially designed and particular attention
has been given to attractive colour schemes in the contemporary fashion,
and to congenial working conditions which include special features in
the machine rooms to minimise noise.
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The new group mechanisation Dept.
of the Royal Exchange Assurance
at 99 Bridge Road East
(click image to enlarge) |
Since the earliest days of the Welwyn
Garden City the Royal Exchange Assurance has been associated with progress
and has an office for general insurance business at 22/23 Stonehills House,
Stonehills.
The Skarsten Manufacturing
Company Limited was established in 1934, and the home and export
trade is still expanding. Added to the large range of hand-scrapers and
accessories, the awlscrew (combined screwdriver and bradawl) and plastic
letter plates are becoming increasingly popular. 80% of the goods manufactured
are sent for export.
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Skarston Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Old Skarsten advertisement from the handbook
(click image to enlarge) |
The company of Smith, Kline
and French Laboratories Limited was established in Philadelphia,
U.S.A., in 1841 to manufacture Ethical Pharmaceutical Products.
Activities began in the United
Kingdom in 1927, through British agents, and in 1956 an existing group
of Pharmaceutical Companies was purchased and formed a basis for the present
firm, with control over subsidiary companies in Australia, South Africa
and India.
The Company moved from Camberwell
to Welwyn Garden City in September 1959. The firm is well known for its
many services to the medical profession, and also has a farm used for
research on feed additives for animal health control.
T.A.I.P. (Engineers) Limited
was originally established in London, but moved to the Garden City in
1954.
In 1957 the company became a self-controlled
100% subsidiary of Toledo Woodhead (Springs) Ltd. (Darlington and Sheffield)
one of the Commonwealth's foremost manufacturers and developers of vehicle
springs.
It can now be fairly said that
T.A.I.P. has secured a place of respect in the tooling industry. The administration
offices are now at Brownfields where tool design work, planning, estimating,
accounts and management are housed under one roof.
Recent tooling programmes carried
out, either to customers' drawings or completely designed and manufactured,
include components such as refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, paraffin heaters,
furniture accessories, etc. Customers are situated throughout the British
Isles.
A complete tooling service is
provided for process planning, design and manufacture of jigs, fixtures,
press tools, gauges, plastic and die-casting moulds, and special purpose
machinery.
An interesting addition to the
plant is the installation of Herbert 2D capstan lathes which are electronically
controlled.
The company operates an apprentice
training scheme, and many ex-apprentices form a valuable part of the present
staff.
T.A.I.P. are members of the Gauge
and Tool Makers' Association and are approved by the Ministry of Aviation.
Welwyn Bakeries Limited
was formed in 1950 on the site of an older bakery establishment.
With new plant and techniques due to expansion of trade, the firm produces
bread and confectionery in great variety. A fleet of vans of modern and
scientific construction covers a thirty mile radius.
As members of the Gerrard Industries
Group, Welwyn Engineering Company Limited manufacture
at their factory in Bridge Road East a complete range of tensional steel
strapping machines for securing any type, size, shape or weight of pack,
with either flat, round or oval steel strapping.
Available through the sales organisation
of associate companies, the equipment offered ranges from machines for
19½ gauge round wire to larger models for 2in. flat steel strapping.
These machines are fine examples of precision engineering and are either
hand operated, pneumatic, semi-automatic or fully automatic. With the
wide range of sizes of flat or round steel strapping, the machines provide
a very favourable means of reducing packaging and materials handling costs.
The Gerrard Industries Group comprises
Gerrard Industries Limited, Seal-less Strapping Limited, Boabands Limited,
Gerrard Safe Seal (Overseas) Limited. Seal-less Strapping (Overseas) Limited,
and Welwyn Engineering Co. Limited.
The Welwyn Motor Company
Limited (Silver Line Motors), has extensive premises incorporating
showrooms, offices and servicing and repair bays. Equipped to cater for
every aspect of the motor trade, the firm is an agent for Vauxhall and
Bedford vehicles.
Welwyn Photographers Limited
provides a service for industrial and commercial undertakings, as well
as ordinary studio work. During construction of the Welwyn/Hatfield Hospital
the company was appointed as official photographers.
Welwyn Service Depot Limited
has the oldest Garage business in Welwyn Garden City, with a motor car
showroom, and spare paris department.
D. C. Wenk & Sons
Limited carry on the old-established family business which now
includes seven shops, selling radio, electrical goods, sports equipment,
cycles, toys and prams.
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Digswell Road
Credit: W.G.C. Development Corporation
(click image to enlarge) |
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The Coronation Fountain, Parkway
Credit: W.G.C. Development Corporation
(click image to enlarge) |
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