Five-stand tandem cold-reduction mill at Ebbw Vale Works : advert issued by Richard Thomas & Baldwins, 1952
The companies of Richard Thomas (founded 1871) and Baldwins (founded c1870) merged in 1948 to form what was to be one of the largest UK steel manufacturers. By the date of this advert they were a nationalised concern and despite the fact the new Conservative governments of the 1950s wanted to return the company to private ownership it was still in state hands when the industry was re-nationalised in 1967. Despite the Park St address in London the company was solidly Welsh - the most important of their works being that at Ebbw Vale. In 1948 the company introduced the first continuous tin plate strip mill in the UK and this I suspect shows part of that process. I have to say I do like industrial art such as this - a real glimpse into the past of both process and people.
Five-stand tandem cold-reduction mill at Ebbw Vale Works : advert issued by Richard Thomas & Baldwins, 1952
The companies of Richard Thomas (founded 1871) and Baldwins (founded c1870) merged in 1948 to form what was to be one of the largest UK steel manufacturers. By the date of this advert they were a nationalised concern and despite the fact the new Conservative governments of the 1950s wanted to return the company to private ownership it was still in state hands when the industry was re-nationalised in 1967. Despite the Park St address in London the company was solidly Welsh - the most important of their works being that at Ebbw Vale. In 1948 the company introduced the first continuous tin plate strip mill in the UK and this I suspect shows part of that process. I have to say I do like industrial art such as this - a real glimpse into the past of both process and people.