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Morris Commercial Cars. Foundry Lane, Smethwick.

blackcountrymuse

proper brummie kid
In 1923, E G Wrigley, who made components for the motor Industry, at their works in Foundry Lane, went bust. Morris Cars were a major user of these parts, and they were looking to expand the business. Wrigley's had over 200 machines for making parts, and a workforce of 350, so in 1924, Morris took over the business. They gained a reputation for excellent products, and also became world renowned for 6 wheeled, heavy vehicles. From a one ton truck in 1924, the company expanded into both goods vehicles, and Passenger vehicles, all built at the Soho factory. Almost the entire production, from 1939 to the end of the War, was geared for the production of multi-axled heavy trucks and other military equipment. Most will remember the Adderley Park works, but strangely, few ever mention the Smethwick/Handsworth factory. I think it closed around 1958. The Double decked Bus by the way, was on the 16 route when photographed, somewhere between Snow Hill, and Handsworth Wood.
 

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In 1923, E G Wrigley, who made components for the motor Industry, at their works in Foundry Lane, went bust. Morris Cars were a major user of these parts, and they were looking to expand the business. Wrigley's had over 200 machines for making parts, and a workforce of 350, so in 1924, Morris took over the business. They gained a reputation for excellent products, and also became world renowned for 6 wheeled, heavy vehicles. From a one ton truck in 1924, the company expanded into both goods vehicles, and Passenger vehicles, all built at the Soho factory. Almost the entire production, from 1939 to the end of the War, was geared for the production of multi-axled heavy trucks and other military equipment. Most will remember the Adderley Park works, but strangely, few ever mention the Smethwick/Handsworth factory. I think it closed around 1958. The Double decked Bus by the way, was on the 16 route when photographed, somewhere between Snow Hill, and Handsworth Wood.

I always think that the Imperial double decker had a very impressive style radiator. I don't think any survive at all unfortunately.

Simon
 
In 1923, E G Wrigley, who made components for the motor Industry, at their works in Foundry Lane, went bust. Morris Cars were a major user of these parts, and they were looking to expand the business. Wrigley's had over 200 machines for making parts, and a workforce of 350, so in 1924, Morris took over the business. They gained a reputation for excellent products, and also became world renowned for 6 wheeled, heavy vehicles. From a one ton truck in 1924, the company expanded into both goods vehicles, and Passenger vehicles, all built at the Soho factory. Almost the entire production, from 1939 to the end of the War, was geared for the production of multi-axled heavy trucks and other military equipment. Most will remember the Adderley Park works, but strangely, few ever mention the Smethwick/Handsworth factory. I think it closed around 1958. The Double decked Bus by the way, was on the 16 route when photographed, somewhere between Snow Hill, and Handsworth Wood.

There is now a 280 page book available from the Ian Allan bookshop in Birmingham, "Buy BRITISH and be PROUD of it", covering the complete history of Morris Commercial Cars Ltd.
Boomy.
 
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