Notes by H Packwood in 1988:

Norris & Son - Previously owned Safford, Wellingborough Road. Norris' began in a small way making machines for the Leather Industry. I think I am right in stating that Norris' were the first firm to fit a gearbox to a leather drum instead of it being driven from line shafting.

At the outbreak of the 1939 war Norris' were commissioned to recondition lathes from A. Herbert’s of Coventry; this was a totally different job from currying machines.

At the end of the war a partner joined the firm - Mr. J. Orme and all the dies etc. were made for the 'Rosebud' Doll Factory at Raunds. Mr. Orme then left to start on his own taking a number of skilled men with him and made machines for the plastic industry.

The skilled men who moved were Mr. G. Longland, Mr. R. Walker, and Mr. E. Houghton.

Their work consisted mainly of cones for road works and anything connected with the plastic industry. They still have a factory in Duck Street and one in Park Road.

Smiths Containers Ltd was started from these factories.