Luton Industry

George Kent Biscot Road factory at night, c.1920s [Z1306/75/17/22]

Saturday 5th December 1914: The Luton Chamber of Commerce met last night and received reports from several of the town's manufacturing companies on the effect of the war on their trade.

Commer Cars

The Commercial (“Commer”) Cars company is enjoying unprecedented demand for its vehicles. The whole of the company’s output has been commandeered by the War Office for an indefinite period. The company has also received hundreds of repeat orders which it will fulfil in strict rotation. The company believes that as a result of the war it will be working day and night for the next two years.

Messrs T Balmforth and Co.

With the outbreak of war the company’s trade declined considerably in sympathy with the building industry. However, it has now received orders from the War Office and the Admiralty which will keep it busy for some time. As 38 employees have now left to join the forces the company’s capacity has been reduced. A new plant producing high-class electrically smelted steel castings will be operating within a few weeks. It is hoped these will find a ready market as supplies of these materials previously came from Germany.

Davis Gas Stove Co. Ltd.

Until the war broke out the company had been enjoying very favourable trading conditions. It is now struggling to execute orders because of the large number of men who have left to join the forces. It has been able to secure some of the business in enamelled goods which previously went to the continent.

Skefco Ball Bearing Co. Ltd.

The company was busy before the war and is now busier still thanks to the elimination of competition from Germany. Its prospects are now particularly bright.

George Kent Ltd.

A £3,000 building contract has been placed by the company. It also wishes to employ 350 girls to operate capstan lathes.

Master Builders’ Association

Unlike the manufacturing companies, the building trade is undergoing a slump. There have been enough contracts to keep most builders employed, but there is less speculative trade and the prices of materials have risen.

Source: Luton News 10th September 1914