9 - Norton Grinding Wheel

9 - Norton Grinding Wheel

The American company Norton Grinding Wheel Ltd opened here in 1931. It became the town's largest firm for a time and occupied an 11 acre site with its own rail sidings, but closed in 1982. During WWII the company was the control centre for the industrial civil defence, and also had its own Home Guard Platoon and Bomb Disposal Unit. It had a very active social club offering many activities such as football, netball, cricket, darts, dancing and a popular weekly pontoon sweep.

Norton Grinding Wheel factory complex nearing completion in 1931
Norton Grinding Wheel factory complex nearing completion in 1931.
Norton's factory staff
Norton's factory staff.
Norton Grinding Wheel Co Ltd - Home Guard Platoon photograph dated 1943.
Norton Grinding Wheel Co Ltd - Home Guard Platoon photograph dated 1943.
Some of the women working at Nortons during WWII (note A.R.P. sign on right of picture).
Some of the women working at Norton's during WWII (note A.R.P. sign on right of picture).
Norton's darts team 1943-44. Standing from left to right: Norman Smith, Cecil Parker, Bert Greatrex. Seated right: Bill Turner, Sid Parker.
Norton's darts team 1943-44. Standing from left to right: Norman Smith, Cecil Parker, Bert Greatrex. Seated right: Bill Turner, Sid Parker.

 

Powered by JoomlaGadgets

More in this category: « 8 - Esso Station - site of first electricity substation 10 - Site of Barcley Corsets »