Don't despair - all is not lost.
Ralph Martindale & Co Ltd live on in new premises in Wednesfield, still making their machetes and still polishing them with hard felt pads my company supplies.
When I last visited the old works in Alma Street, about 5 years ago, the place was on its last legs and there was serious talk then of a move. I'm glad they did move, but I'd doubt if many of their work-force made the move with them.
'The Crocodile Works' - what a great name for a factory, that I used to pass every day on the No 7 bus on my way to school in Edgbaston. It came as a great surprise to me when after many, many years I found out what they made.
Big Gee
PS: Jennyann - sorry, I missed your post and see that you already mentioned their new factory. My mistake.