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 to Borg & Beck Company Ltd. discussing the price difference for a 13½' Driven Plate Assembly between American and factory quotations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 129\1\ scan0196 | |
| Date | 19th June 1937 | |
| 4011 also 312 Rml/R.{Sir Henry Royce} 19th June, 1937. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Armitage, Esq., Messrs. Borg & Beck Company Ltd., Tachbrook Road, LEAMINGTON SPA. Dear Mr. Armitage, Referring to our telephone conversation of yesterday, we had a quotation from you for the 13½" Driven Plate Assembly from America of £1/9/6, plus 1500 dollars part tool cost. Presumably this £1/9/6 includes 33.1/3rd duty, which means that the cost of this Driven Assembly in America is something less than £1 complete with facings. It is, of course, a special job as there is no passenger car in America using a 13½" driven plate, therefore, this price is not low because a great number of similar parts are being used in America. We were, therefore, somewhat astonished by the price of £4/8/6 quoted in your letter of the 16th June. Our Factory has quoted a price of 16/6d for the centre plate which includes all overheads, etc., the springs we have previously purchased at somewhere about 3/3d per set, which leaves a sum of £3/8/9 for the linings and assembly. In view of the American price I am sure you will agree that it is difficult to understand this figure, particularly in view of the fact that their labour cost is just about twice ours. Doubtless tool equipment would put an entirely different complexion on the matter, and since from our tests so far there appears every indication that this driven plate is likely to be satisfactory, it might be expedient to consider tool equipment forthwith. Yours sincerely, | ||