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).
Letter from axle manufacturer LEMPCO in Ohio, USA, regarding supply orders and potential steel shortages due to war.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\1\ scan0352 | |
| Date | 20th April 1941 | |
| LEMPCO BEDFORD-OHIO-U.S.A. CABLE ADDRESS, LEMPCO. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} KIMMEL - EXPORT SALES MANAGER [Handwritten Note]: 1015 [Handwritten Initials]: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} [Stamp]: 23C April 20, 1941 Rolls-Royce Limited Nightingale Road Derby, England Gentlemen: For over 20 years now Lempco has been the largest replacement manufacturer of axles in the world. There are over 10,000 different axles in our line, and we are daily adding to this number due to the war orders we are receiving. We are the only replacement axle manufacturer in this country with our own forge shop, so that the axle is made from the raw material to the finished product right in our own shop. Already we are making some of the English Axles--as per attached list--and all orders for England are receiving first preference in our factory. Nothing is left undone to get the goods out as quickly as possible and on their way to you. New shafts are made up from blueprints or samples--either one. Due to the fact that it is almost impossible to get steel for 6 months to 18, we suggest you order now any shafts which you might need during the next year. We have a good supply of steel right now so that the steel strike which is expected to break today will not interfere with our production at this time. Very truly yours, LEMPCO PRODUCTS Inc. [Signature] DK-md [Left Margin Text:] AXLE SHAFTS RING GEARS & PINIONS TRANSMISSION GEARS FLYWHEEL GEARS BRAKE DRUMS TIRE RIMS LP{Mr Lappin} TRADE MARK [Footer Text:] MACHINE SHOP EQUIPMENT: PISTON GRINDER, BORING BAR, LINE BORING MACHINE, BRAKE DRUM LATHE, BENCH LATHE, ETC. | ||