From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Supply and future requirements for Graphite Bronze Clutch Facings for the 20/25 HP model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 107\3\ scan0138 | |
| Date | 12th August 1938 | |
| 561. To Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/NRC.{N. R. Chandler}4/JH.12.8.38. GRAPHITE BRONZE CLUTCH FACINGS 20/25 H.P. / sent to Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} From letter of Aug. 9th herewith from Vandervell Products, which we have discussed with Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} it appears that Vandervell would require orders for much larger quantities than 500 to justify putting down plant to produce the G.B. facings in this country at a lower cost. In considering future requirements, we have to bear in mind - (a) This facing only applies to a now obsolete type of clutch. (b) Experience so far indicates that the G.B. facing is very durable. (c) That a number of drivers are able to make the original Ferodo facing last a considerable time. Consequently we cannot hold out prospects of the demand for this facing being continuous at the present rate, it is likely to be a falling market. During the last 9 months, we have fitted G.B. facings to 360 cars, which is at the rate of 560 cars (1120 facings) per year. We have left facings for 149 cars, or say 3 months supply. If we increased the order to 1000 facings, (500 cars) it would probably be a year before we would require further supplies, the demand presumably growing less each year. The position therefore appears as follows - If 1,000 facings ordered now, and possibly no further orders for a year, is not sufficient to justify | ||