Any Information On Record Ridgeway Tools?

[crookedspire 10]

I often pass a large heavy vandalized derelict factory looks 1930s in style with a curve on the front. Looks quite well built with later additions , been told it was a tool works. Did anyone work their and when did it close any info thanks?

[herbiegrass 10]

My Parents both worked there in the 60's. not far for them to walk as we lived opposite the meadow st hotel. think it closed in the 90's.

[Blackbeard 10]

I often pass a large heavy vandalized derelict factory looks 1930s in style with a curve on the front. Looks quite well built with later additions , been told it was a tool works. Did anyone work their and when did it close any info thanks?

 

Contact these people http://www.hawleytoolcollection.com sadly Ken died recently but his work continues.

[MuteWitness 10]

Hi,

don't know if this is any help but found this information on another forum I use.

 

"William Ridgway and Sons company of Sheffield, manufacturers of augers, bits, wood-boring and motorising tools, was founded in 1878 and became a Private company in 1909, these works were founded in the 1930s. William Ridgway Tools merged first of all with Record Tools in 1974 to form Record Ridgway Tools Ltd. Record were another Sheffield company who were renowned for the quality of their vices and industrial clamps. Following the merger Record Ridgway Tools Ltd was made up of 14 UK Companies with 5 overseas companies. A later merger with a woodwork tools company called Marple (which was part-owned by Record and Ridgeway respectively before their original merger) led to the company becoming known as Record Marples Tools. Record Marples was taken over by the Swedish hardware manafacturer AB Bahco in 1982. Despite a management buyout leading to the company reverting to British ownership in 1985 the company struggled financially and following administration was acquired by U.S. based Irwin Tools in 1998 who have since moved production to China in recent years.

[crookedspire 10]

Thanks for the replies, definitely would like to see the 'Hawley' collection that Blackbeard mentioned. The Record Ridgeway building itself could be turned into a tool museum would give that part of the city a boost as parts of the area are now really derelict.

[dacrlit 18]

A kid has been exploring the Car Jungle, that is behind this building. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/100064686883930/posts/842927657873456/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Edited April 16 by dacrlit

[sovrappeso 4]

Record Power Tools still exists & is based at Barlborough near Chesterfield. 

 

[owl.66 205]

11 hours ago, sovrappeso said:

Record Power Tools still exists & is based at Barlborough near Chesterfield. 

 

I work for Record power at  sheffield  when it was on   kettlebridge Rd  Darnall just off the parkway for 12 years & left before it closed , Record power part was then  bought out by a consortium of managers then moved to Chesterfield