Page 37 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Branch Works – Ipsley Street

“Sinew” Works in Prospect Hill in 1957 Main Works Frontage—Prospect Hill

as offices, is said to have a link with the former Abbey of Bordesley. At one stage in its
history, the buildings changed hands for a pricely sum of the shillings

Development of this family concern in its specialist world continued as more technicians
were added to the payroll, and as distribution of its precision outlet widened.

World War Two witnessed an increased demand for “Sinew” products and in the years
that followed, more and more productive units were installed and it soon became evident
that building development could not be delayed.

Meantime, in 1952 a self-contained factory in another part of the town was purchased.
This temporarily solved the problem of accommodation, but proved inadequate to cope
entirely with the soaring volume of business.

Six years later, the project of the present Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Phillip
Clarke, became a reality. The youngest son of the founder saw a new works of
modernistic design rise on the site where once needle craftsmen had plied their skill; a
factory which encompassed the bulk of the production requirements, although the branch
works was continuing to house certain departments of trained personnel.

The diversity of products which emerge from these two works and their contribution to
all phases of industry, including a large proportion of the motor trade. Like all other
companies they did not see the development coming to Redditch. Unfortunately the
development did start and Clarkes were forced to move out of the town and are no longer
trading in Redditch.

© RLHS 2015 Page: 37