• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Kalamazoo

There's nothing I can see on Streetview but here's a photo. A bit more than two storey's, but almost certain it had blue-grey paintwork. Viv.

ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1406194208.770772.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Have a Cousin Anne or Ann Fry she worked at Kalamazoo in the 1970/1980 she married Ian who also worked at kalamazoo alas do not no surname, anyone know of her as we lost touch so long ago, not a falling out but a drift .
 
I went for a test (pre-interview) there a few years back and it turns out there are two companies now. One produces specialist stationery and the other software. I can't remember what the difference in the names was but they both used to be Kalamazoo. I don't know if I passed the test but I didn't get the interview. I think my great failing in the interview was that I didn't realise that the test was in American until too late.
 
I understand the firm was started to produce an office system that had been seen in Kalamazoo, USA. Hence the company name. The Moreland's started the company. My grandfather was Ray Newman who had been batman to Tommy Moreland during WW1 and was subsequently given a job as a lithographic printer. He later became "Father of the Chapel " and was a knocker - upper until he retired in the 60's. My father, Kenny Arthur, was also a lithographic printer there until he retired 1989. I also worked there as a student in the 70's during my vacation. I seem to remember the workforce had 51% of the shares which was allocated based upon service.
 
Thanks for your reply Alan.
But how were the 'Metal Signals' used?
Were they from the 50s 60s eras?
David.
 
A lot of water has passed beneath the bridge since the mid 1970's so my recall is not too great about the 'metal' system. I do remember using (whether it was Kalamazoo I am not sure) a filing system with coloured clips, denoting needs and priorities. The Kalamazoo ledger was a loose leaf, two page (in and out monies) which was simple to use. Cheque writing was from a loose page, pressed over lugs on the outgoing page. The advantage was that the cheque payment details were pre carbonated and there was no need to write up more entries. I used the system for the company of which I was company secretary. I am sure others here have used the system and have fuller memories about it.
 
The name Kalamazoo always fascinated me, and its strange that the business has not had more mention on the Forum. The influence of the brand name has endured even to the present day. For a little of the history see the Australian branch...

https://www.kalamazoo.com.au/history/

From 1994...”the project (paperless offices) did quite well at first. Why? Well, I think it was because we had been around for so long and our name was so memorable that we had got ourselves a tranche of unswervingly loyal customers. As long as we didn't do anything too obviously silly, they would buy whatever we made....”

https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/uk-kalamazoo-papers-cracks/article/409500#PBPSlyH2GIiktEfr.99

But where did the term “metal signals” come from?
 
Remember being i:):)nterviewed by this place, probably in about 1978 when computers started to spring up in houses. They sold office ledgers, book keeping stuff etc. I remember asking, " what's going to happen when all the stuff you sell is made obsolete by computers" I asked in somewhat more polite way than this stark statement but I am sure they got the drift of my question.

A web search reveals that Kalamazoo has changed its name and is now an IT support company.
 
Last edited:
Around 1966 I enjoyed a training for Sales Manager on behalve of a Dutch company for about 3 month, divided between Birmingham and New Castle. Great time!
 
Looking for Lorrain worked at Kalamazoo mid-70s. don't know her surname but her dad was from Somalia.
 
Have a Cousin Anne or Ann Fry she worked at Kalamazoo in the 1970/1980 she married Ian who also worked at kalamazoo alas do not no surname, anyone know of her as we lost touch so long ago, not a falling out but a drift .
Yes I know of her, I have been married to her since 1973 !! We still live in Northfield and both have many wonderful memories of Kalamazoo.
 
Yes I know of her, I have been married to her since 1973 !! We still live in Northfield and both have many wonderful memories of Kalamazoo.
Wow, I think that's lucky I think the last time we met was at your wedding and so long ago, would love to catch up and if wanted, we could fill in the gaps, thoughts? x
 
Wow, I think that's lucky I think the last time we met was at your wedding and so long ago, would love to catch up and if wanted, we could fill in the gaps, thoughts? x
Just realised name may help that's Paul Court ( the Butcher that knew Rose )
 
Back in the late 60's we use to go up on the roofs of the parking garage there just because, to hang out the road dead ended then a walk path lead into a huge strip of vacant land that run along the river Rea and railroad tracks all the way to Tessall, lane, the land is all built up now but when we were kids spent many a day down there
 
Back
Top