Sectional factories along this side of Broadwater Road were let to low-budget companies often just starting out. Murphy Radio and Cresta Silks both began here. Between 1929 and 1932 Captain Tim Birkin, the famous racing driver, built his supercharged Bentleys in two of the units.
Captain HRS Birkin's Racing Motor Works in a sectional factory. Image from Garden Cities & Town Planning January 1930 "special issue for WGC".Murphy Radio staff at work in a sectional factory. Image from Industry At Welwyn - published by WGC Ltd c1939 to encourage manufacturers to locate to the town.Unusual occupation of a sectional factory! In 1950 the 20-35 Club hold a "Tramps' Supper" at the club's temporary meeting place at the old Cresta Silks factory in Broadwater Road.Broadwater Road sectional factories photographed by Ken Wright in May 1962.
