The 1960s

In the 1960s the workforce increased to about 65 and 98 tack machines were running. Between 12 and 13 tons of tacks were produced each week. In 1966 Dennis Somerville decided to diversify and purchased tin trunk manufacturer W.H. Pritchard of Neachells Lane, Wednesfield.


A Niger uniform case.

 The two northern end bays were added for manufacturing “Niger” brand steel trunks and uniform cases under the name of “Chatham Metal Products Limited”. Best quality 24 gauge steel was used with seamed and welded corners and the steel uniform case was fitted with a secure 4 lever centre lock and strong lifting handles. A mirror was fitted inside the lid and the trunks were stove-enamelled in black gloss or charcoal grey hammertone, with a red half-moon pattern, which in Africa was supposed to be lucky.

90% of the trunks were for export, mainly to West Africa. In the U.K. they were sold by Blacks outdoor and camping shops. Gentlemen would take them abroad when travelling by boat, but as they were quite heavy, they were not suitable for air travel. 

In 1988 this part of the business was sold to Richards & Ross Limited, who kept production going for about ten years.
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