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).
Draft memo outlining the reasons for establishing an aluminium and brass foundry in Springfield.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\6\ Scan175 | |
| Date | 31th August 1920 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Draft 31.8.20. FOUNDRY FOR SPRINGFIELD. We think it essential that Springfield start a small aluminium and brass foundry as early as they possibly can, for the following reasons - Firstly - They will be able to produce much better castings than they could buy, and will have at all times the benefit of Derby's experience, and we shall have the benefit of Springfield's experience. It will be remembered that even when we were a very small firm we found it very advantageous to have a foundry, even when we were on a smaller output of chassis than Springfield proposes. Secondly - They would have less delay in obtaining castings, by having it under their own roof, and will find it of infinite value in getting rush jobs through quickly. Our business generally is peculiar and different to other work, because we are always striving after the best and changes take place and the foundry has to jump into these changes from time to time very quickly. It is impossible to get outside firms to take the same interest in these changes. For instance, possibly Springfield could not have said it would take them three to four months to fit the thermostat if they had had a foundry of their own. Thirdly - We think they will find a small foundry more economical because they will not have repeated delays and machines being held up for castings if they have a foundry under their own control. There are many other good reasons that will appeal to Mr. Handin and Mr. Bagnall, and others at Springfield, and there is no reason for us to labour this point further, indeed Mr. Bagnall had selected certain foundry experts to go out with the team but for some reason they were not required and crossed off the list. We should imagine that Springfield will find difficulty in getting a small number of castings, when the American foundries are busy, and also I think that American foundries are on mass production generally speaking, and do not care to tackle small quantities, and to change fairly frequently. Then again, our team in America found great difficulty in getting good enough castings during the War period for our engines. I know that it was a great source of trouble to Mr. Bagnall and others. We shall be most happy to co-operate in any way if this suggestion is considered advisable. | ||