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If you remember designing, machining, fitting, installing, maintaining, or working with this machine please share your memories at the bottom of the page by clicking on the words Add a comment about this page.
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I helped install and maintain a 1970s 1600 ton press at Extrusion Facilities in Hengoed South Wales, from 1984 to 1988.
The company folded in 1991 due to bad management and a lot of good people lost a good livelihood.
Great memories of my time in this industry which led to 30 years working on aircraft engines!! This is a great site.
Ed: Chris, many thanks for your contribution and kind words about our website. Unfortunately, we do not have any pics of the press you worked on. The press at Extrusion Facilities was ordered by a company called Westward Aluninium, Gloucester in 1973. It was moved at some stage to to Unidare, Dublin, thence to Extrusion Facilities around 1983. In 1991 the press was moved to Metropolitan Metal Co., Thailand, by H. E. Reed (Plant & Machinery) Ltd., Kent. John B
Further to my comment two years ago about the van accident involving John Knight and another person, I think I remember his name now and that is Dave Lee. Anyone else recall that name?
Chippy Aston
Ed: If it was Dave Lee, then he was an apprentice in my year, 1961. John B
Hi Dulcie. Many thanks for filling in the blank that was Pete’s surname. As soon as I saw your comment I remembered it! Please give my regards to Alistair. Chippy Aston.
Hi Chippy, Alistair says his memory isn’t as good as mine! I think the chap who looked after the vans was Pete Hale. Dulcie
Many thanks Alistair for remembering the incident,not the kind of thing that happened every day, was it! My recollection of the ‘remains’ that they brought back is of the tax disc holder and a headlight rim! Maybe we’ll never know exactly what it was now. Would it have been the tall guy, Pete, in charge of the vans at time, I can’t remember his surname though? Chippy Aston.
Chippy is correct about John and A N Other bringing back (I think) the ignition key and the steering wheel after driving through a fence at the end of a cul de sac in Birmingham, onto a railway line. Luckily they got out before the train hit the van. I believe they got lost driving back to their ‘Digs’ in the dark!
I can’t remember who was in charge of the vans then to receive the remains, but we all knew about it before they got to the works the next day because it was on national TV!
Hi John. I seem to recall hearing that John had passed away some time ago,but I could be very wrong! Maybe someone else could help us with that question?
I seem to recall that John and a fitter had an accident in a works mini van and brought back the remains of it in a bag! Something tells me the van was hit by a train! Do you remember that incident John? I think the fitter was Dave ?????, a shortish man with light coloured wavy hair,ring any bells with you John? Chippy Aston.
Ed: Haven’t heard that one! Maybe someone else will enlighten us! John B
Hi John! Nice to see a picture of John Knight the electrician at the controls. I remember John being quite a character way back when! Chippy Aston.
Ed: Agreed, he was in my intake! I wonder where he is now? John B
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