Hoover Washing Machines: Page

Hoover

Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil

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Hoover Limited, of Canton, Ohio, U.S.A. wishing to expand it's U.K. operation, opened the factory in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil. The factory was purpose built and equipped to manufacture the Hoover Electric Washing Machine. The grand opening was on 19th October 1948. Initially 350 people were employed, by the mid 1970's that number had risen to near 5,000; making Hoover the largest employer in the borough.

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For The

Official Opening of

Hoover Washing Machines

Hoover Washing Machines - 1948.

Hoover Washing Machines. in the 1950's.

Main Gate, at the original factory building, (before various extensions)

(Photograph courtesy of Bill "Engine" Jones)

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Hoover Transport

Department

Aerial View.

Hoover - Aerial View.

Note the 'Triangle' in this photograph.

(Photograph Courtesy of Gareth Evans)

Hoover - Aerial View

(Photograph Courtesy of Gareth Evans)

Hoover - Car Park

(Photograph Courtesy of Gareth Evans)

Hoover Limited Merthyr Tydfil

(Photograph Courtesy of Gareth Evans)

Hoover's Christmas Party - 1948.

Pictured is Doris Pittman she was a typist secretary. No other names are known.

(Photograph Courtesy of Paul Williams, Thanks to Moira O'Driscoll for identifying it)

Hoover factory floor and workforce 1949.

Washing Machine No 2,000,000.

This photograph shows David (Dai) Smith, from Penywern, Dowlais, receiving the 2 millionth Washing Machine.

David worked at Hoover for 30 years before retiring at 60.

(Thanks to his Granddaughter Alison Evans for the information.)

Main Stores area in the 1950's.

At one time goods were received and despatched by a rail link that can be seen on the extreme right of the building. in fact this rail link was built especially totransport the dignitaries visiting the opening ceremony.

(Photograph courtesy of Bill "Engine" Jones)

Hoover - Fire Brigade - 1950's & 1960's

Lillian Watkins in 1953.

(Photograph Courtesy of Jacqui Gibbons)

Hoover - Retirement of Tom Oates - Presentation by Superintendent Ron Gordon

Front Row L-R:            Ron Garrett, Johnny Good, ?, Tom Oates, Ron Gordon, Harry Passmore (Charge Hand), Len ? & Ken Winstone.
Second Row L-R:        Jack Copper, David Davies, David Price, Les Jenkins, Jack Hughes, Nickname - Big Mel, Eric Phillips, Peter ?, Connie Walsh & Ken ?.
Back Row L-R:            Derek Brill (Me), John Griffiths, Tom Jones, Nickname - Bobby Bell, ?, Colin McNally & Ronny Croak.

(Photograph Courtesy of Derek Brill)