See John H Drew's "Kenilworth - An Historical Miscellany", chapter 10 for information on the town's early comb-making trade
Robin D Leach's book "Kenilworth's Engineering Age" reveals quite a history of post-war industry and creativity in business.
Lester Stickley's scrapyard at Mill End near Kenilworth Common was home to many engineering works including Boremasters and Arden Products.
The town's modest claims to engineering fame include the invention of the Dynohub. It was designed and developed by George Rawlings in Kenilworth in the 1930s. The device was attached to the front axle of bicycles to generate power for the lights. The workshops have now been demolished and the "Millers Court" shopping arcade constructed in its place.
During the war years, Clarke, Clueley & Co Ltd constructed the first purpose-built factory in Kenilworth at the end of Moorlands Avenue. Parts for Rolls-Royce aero-engines rolled off the production line. The factory has since been demolished and replaced by a housing estate.
Buckingham's are the UK's second largest luxury swimming pool manufacturer. They are based in Dalehouse Lane, one of the last engineering strongholds in Kenilworth. Recently, 9 acres of the site, previously earmarked for industrial use, was sold off for housing.
Kenilworth business blossomed at the time when the town was emerging from its agricultural traditions and only too pleased to encourage commercial enterprise. However, the Kenilworth of today seems far less supportive of small business and, under the protection of Warwick District Council planners, is content to promote itself as a dormitory with much of its workforce commuting to Coventry or Birmingham.
Sadly, many of the sites formerly used by small companies have been swallowed up by housing and supermarkets, and the Council's planning imperatives are unlikely to attract new business to Kenilworth. Perhaps this is how people want it nowadays, but there are some who agree with the editor of Kenilworth Weekly News, January 1954, when he paid tribute to the industrialists of the town and their employees: "Such pioneering requires every encouragement, for a partly industrialised Kenilworth is to the ultimate benefit of every resident".
Under construction (or demolition) :)
Page last updated: April 27, 2000
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Corbett, CELCAT, Westwood Business Park, COVENTRY, CV4 8HX
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