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Hoffman's, the UK's first ball bearing factory was established in Chelmsford in 1898 and produced ball and roller bearings as well as many specialised types of bearing. By the end of WW1 it employed almost 5,000 people - far more than the Marconi Company across the road from its factory and eventually became the town's biggest single employer, with more than 7,500 workers in a factory covering 50 acres.
During WW2 the factory was a regular target for the Luftwaffe, suffering both loss of life and significant damage but production was never stopped.
At the end of the 1960s it amalgamated with Ransome & Marles to become Ransom, Hoffman and Pollard (RHP) but eventually closed just before Christmas in 1989. A much-resented present for the town.
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Ron
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Never regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. Don't worry about old age - it doesn't last.
Last edited by Ron Stringer; 18th June 2019 at 13:21.
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