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This talk covers the origins of the Hoffmann Ball bearing Company right back to a small iron furnace at the Barbican in 1750, with the formation of the actual company in 1898 after the arrival of Ernst Hoffmann in the country to join up with the Barrett cousins. Hoffmann brought with him his patent for a lathe which didn’t leave a snag on the resulting ball of metal. Of the big three firms in the town Hoffmann was always the biggest employer, expanding rapidly in both world wars to reach a never to be exceeded 10,000 at the end of the last war. The talk covers the firm’s progress after 1945 leading to the formation of RHP and the eventual departure of the firm from Chelmsford in 1898. It includes details from a number of interviews with Hoffmann employees and many illustrations and photos.
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This event is part of Chelmsford Heritage Open Days 2022, a series of FREE events taking place on 9th - 18th September celebrating 'Astounding Inventions' throughout the city and its environs.
5-6 Grays Brewery Yard
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 6QR
United Kingdom