The War Years and In Between - Part 2 |
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It was at this time that another important
business was also starting in Staffordshire which would
later have a significant impact on Avon's future. Albert
Fox set up a tyre re-treading and servicing business in
his cowshed. The cows were driven out each morning so that
work could begin. Albert's van, which proudly maintained
a 24-hour tyre repair and fitting service, was also used
to deliver eggs from the farm. Known as Normeir Tyre Company
(a title derived from the names of the two neighbouring
villages), the business was to grow into a thriving national
concern which 41 years later was to be purchased by Avon.
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In 1920, Melksham House,
a beautiful old mansion standing in delightful grounds,
was purchased as the company club and sports centre. Its
purpose was explained thus: "The Company have always
been very considerate with regard to the social welfare
of their employees. The grounds have been laid out for playing
fields for all kinds of sports. The house provides a canteen,
theatre and rooms for meetings, games, etc. These attractions
promote a great 'esprit de corps' and tend to produce good
feeling among all departments." |
1922: Premises at Cheapside, Hanley
One of the
first ever Normeir Tyre Service Stations
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An early photograph of
Melksham House
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Increased production and expansion was the keynote of
the early 1920s and at Melksham some new ferro-concrete
factory buildings came into use at Melksham and a depot
site in Belfast was purchased.
Then came the Great Slump - which
provided a most decisive test of Avon's strength and resources,
but Avon weathered the years 1920-24 with unimpaired vitality.
Development had gone steadily forward;
no building operations had been suspended; and modern
plant had been installed wherever needed. For example,
when the cord motor tyre came into being, Avon were amongst
the earliest British makes to find favour with the motoring
public.
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It was said of the company
at the time "Avon has never
been afraid to pioneer and its plant today is unquestionably
modern and complete. It was among the first of tyre-making
firms to adopt Doughty presses for cycle tyres, to build
machine-made motor casings and to use the watch-case type
of vulcanisers for the speedier cure of car and motorcycle
tyres. Mighty mixers and calenders are in use, capacious
presses and ovens of the latest type are available throughout
the shops; and steam and electric power is adequate everywhere."
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It is worth noting that Oswald Swanborough
joined the company in 1925. The son of Mr and Mrs F T Swanborough,
the previous directors, he began as a Costing Clerk at Greenland
Mills at Bradford on Avon before moving to Melksham where
he worked his way up to become Managing Director some years
later.
By 1927, Avon had 12 tyre distribution
depots around the country carrying full stocks and manned
by expert tyre fitters. Their watchword of prompt despatch
ensured that Avon tyres were available almost immediately
anywhere in Britain. A healthy export trade was also building
up from the London depot and a plethora of articles were
being manufactured including carriage, cycle and pram tyres,
footwear, including rubber soles and heels, bath mats and
sponges and rubber carpet to name but a few.
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Oswald F Swanborough |
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