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).
Meeting minutes discussing the high cost and complexity of various manufactured components like radiators, bonnets and joints.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\2\ Scan158 | |
| Date | 26th January 1933 | |
| -3- Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} was of the opinion that there was far too much hand work, and referred, for instance, to radiators and shutters, and compared our cost with that of other people's for similar parts. He thought our prices were too high. Bonnets was another item he thought to be too costly compared with other manufacturers. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} reminded Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} that it was not only our business to make a good looking job, but the work must be of high standard. Sft.{Mr Swift} Sft.{Mr Swift} did not agree that bonnets were costly to make considering the amount of work involved, and referred to the Barker bonnet. Barkers' price rose immediately above ours for making bonnets to our design and quality. Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott referred to the number of types of bonnets, possibly 15, and wondered whether customers paid for the organisation necessary for producing such a large number of types. Nearly every bonnet is a special one. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} mentioned that he had had in hand for some months the question of reducing the types down to about 4. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} mentioned the question of radiators, and the costly material of Staybrite, and stated that he had already asked Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} to have 4 radiators made up with loose shells in order to see if we could not chromium plate them satisfactorily, and so get away from Staybrite. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} brought forward the question of the Spicer Joint. Originally it was bought out, but now it is made here it has grown until it is a work of art to produce. AEM. AEM. mentioned that a great deal of time had been spent endeavouring to reduce the 'times' on this Spicer unit, but it was very difficult to produce. It was decided this joint should be given careful consideration. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} agreed with Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} that we have some expensive fitments, and referred to the crankshaft, bonnet, bonnet fasteners and radiator. He suggested that if the Works and designers were to work hand in hand, the designers would no doubt find quite a lot of details that could be cut out. | ||