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).
Article on increasing factory production outputs and a section with news from various motoring clubs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61a\1\ scan0062 | |
| Date | 31th March 1920 | |
| The Motor 414 March 31, 1920. SPEEDING UP OUTPUT. Latest Information about Production from the Factories. FOLLOWING upon the details given in our last issue regarding the speeding up of outputs of new cars, we are able to confirm that a spirit of optimism is beginning to spread throughout the industry. For instance, sparking plugs, if in considerable demand, is a very healthy sign, and if the demand can be met the prospects are even brighter. Thus the Lodge Sparking Plug Co., Ld., in their fine and comparatively new works at Rugby, is a hive of activity, the output now being 50,000 plugs per week, and continually improving. The huge concern of Wrigley's, Ltd., which is responsible for the transmission sets and other components in the Angus-Sanderson car, is producing at the rate of 150 sets per week, reduced to 120 when various delays are experienced, but steadily improving. In three months time the steady and progressive lay-out of the factory will mean an output at the rate of 6,000 sets per annum, and by the end of the year the rate will be at 10,000 per annum. We were shown stores, waiting completion of small parts, of the value of £100,000, and were much struck by the orderly and well-organized system of production, which undoubtedly is on a very large scale. Very shortly some 30 Briton cars will be coming out of the factory, this week's output being 10 of the 10.2 h.p. model. Very extensive new works are nearing completion in Walsall Street. This will mean not only greatly expanded outputs, but also the development of the 9.5 h.p. light car, which was exhibited at Olympia, and is undoubtedly a very fine design. The new works extend some distance along the L. and N.W. Railway, the arches under which are being used as stores. At the Star Engineering works at Wolverhampton, conditions are steadily improving, and the new factory at Bushbury is already making considerable additions to the output. One of the finest body shops in the industry is included in the new section. Guy Motors, Ltd., are half-way through with an extensive new factory running parallel with the works used for production of lorries. It will be remembered that the Guy car is one of the most novel seen at the Show with an eight-cylinder V engine, which, we hear, develops at present 64 b.h.p. and will shortly reach 70 b.h.p. with a new experimental cam design, and an entirely automatic chassis lubrication, there being no greasers or parts to lubricate separately throughout the chassis. Deliveries will commence in a few weeks from now, and by June there should be a regular output. NEWS FROM THE CLUBS. Sutton Coldfield Prizes. Prizes and medals won in competition by members of the Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham A.C. will be distributed at the annual dinner which is taking place at the Assembly Room, Royal Hotel, Sutton Coldfield, at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 16th. Members wishing to attend the dinner are requested to communicate with Mr. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} R.{Sir Henry Royce} Lane, “Kingsley,” Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, not later than April 9th. Royal Scottish A.C. Annual Report. The report and balance-sheet of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club just issued summarizes the excellent work done during the past twelve months, and also shows a healthy financial position. The surplus of assets over liabilities on January 1st this year amounts to £12,254 0s. 8d., being £1,835 19s. 11d. in excess of the surplus at the corresponding date in 1919. Cambridge and County M.C. The title of the Cambridge Club has now been altered to the Cambridge and County Motor Club, in order that it may extend its benefits to light car owners as well as to motorcyclists. The membership is already over 70, and the club has a well-furnished headquarters, with a garage attached, at 17, Trinity Street, Cambridge, where refreshments can be obtained and periodicals read at all times. The secretary is Mr. B. L. Peters, 46, Rock Road, Cambridge. Staxton Hill-climb. One of the most popular Yorkshire events on Easter Monday will be the Staxton hill-climb, arranged by the Scarborough Motor and M.C.C. The venue is seven miles from Scarborough, and the event commences at 1 p.m. There are two classes for cars, with engines of 1,200 c.c. and 1,500 c.c. capacities, and the winners will be decided by time only. Entries close on March 30th, and should be sent to Mr. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Fell, 57, Gladstone Street, Scarborough. Visiting members of the club may join on payment of 3s. 6d. Liverpool M.C. Easter Week-end. An attractive week-end has been arranged for the members of the Liverpool M.C. who are visiting the Lake District during Easter. An impromptu reliability trial will be held, and Wrynose and Hardnott passes visited. The club's headquarters during the week-end will be at the Commercial Hotel, Kendal, and on Easter Monday there will be a run to the Westmorland Open Hill-climb at Orton Scar. Manchester Invitation Run. The invitation reliability trial held by the Manchester Motor Club on March 25th was a great success, competitors numbering about 100. The secretary will be glad if the prize winners will communicate with him at 75, Broad Street, Pendleton, Manchester. The gentlemen concerned are Messrs. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Andrews, Junr., H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Killick, Blakley, and Chadderton. North Wilts Opening Run. The opening run of the North Wilts M.C. and Light Car Club will take place on Good Friday, starting from the Square, Corn Exchange, Swindon, at 2.45 p.m., the destination being the country headquarters, The New Inn, Lechlade. The secretary, Mr. A.{Mr Adams} R.{Sir Henry Royce} Norris, 26, Kent Road, Swindon, will be glad to hear from prospective members. The Midland Light Car Club. The Midland Light Car Club meeting at Birmingham, last Tuesday, to consider the future development of the Club, proved abortive, owing to the poorness of the attendance. It was proposed to hold a rally at Stratford-on-Avon on May 8th jointly with the Junior Car Club and to put proposals before the members then. Notice to Club Secretaries. Secretaries of motor clubs are asked to send in their list of fixtures as soon as possible for inclusion in our list of forthcoming events. | ||