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).
Production troubles, price increases, and quality issues with Borg & Beck clutches.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 129\1\ scan0066 | |
| Date | 16th November 1936 | |
| 81110 RECEIVED 17 NOV 1936 To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} (Crossed out: c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) (Crossed out: c. to Sft.{Mr Swift}) ROY{Sir Henry Royce}1/MG16.11.36 Borg & Beck Clutches Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}18/R10.11.36 - My recollection of the discussion is that I stated we were having considerable trouble in the Shops with the Clutches, our output was delayed and Borg & Beck had increased their prices. The figure 61/- I mentioned is incorrect. The actual increases with which we have been faced are as follows: 25/30 HP. Price at February 11. 1936 £2.15. 3d Today ............ £2.15. 8d Bentley. Price at November.... 1935 £2. 5. 0d February ... 1936 £2. 6. 0d Today ............ £2. 6. 5d P.III (Clutch plate only (Not now used. Fitting R.R. type) £1. 4. 9d To the best of my knowledge Dr. Smith is well aware of these, and knows the Borg & Beck people are still restless and claim they are getting little or no output, due to our special requirements, and making a poor profit on the transaction. I can only confirm my remarks that we are in serious trouble with these Clutches, and the Inspection Department are returning them, the main cause of trouble being the lack of alignment in the fingers. Apart from this, Dr. Smith has instructed the Borg & Beck Company to return to us defective clutches rejected by the R.R.Inspection Department. Personally I would suggest that our Inspection Department and Dr. Smith should be in closer touch. As probably you are aware, our Erecting Shop are trimming the clutch casings where they are too large in diameter, with a view to maintaining the output. Rejections during the last 4 weeks number 44 - Bentley and 30 - 25/30 HP. ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} (Handwritten note) Since writing above have seen Mr.Suddall & he is taking up again with Dr.Smith. | ||