Daniel Smith, Ltd., tool and die makers, Drayton Street, Wolverhampton
- Ref No: D-EXP/P/I29/104
- Repository: Wolverhampton Archives & Local Studies
- Date: 26 Jul 1966
- Artist: Weaver; Ron
- Additional Information: Man with working machinery depicting a recently completed production line for export behind the Iron Curtain, specifically Poland.
- Admin History: The company was set up by Daniel Smith in 1880 to make metal working machines. They specialised in producing section rolling machines, tube rolling mills, metalworking machines and edge tool rolling machines. Many breakthrough inventions were patented by Daniel Smith in the form of an early trunk-making plant, and a process to galvanise holloware items. As demand for agricultural tools increased, it prompted the invention of his famous gap rolling mill. This device revolutionised the production of tools and led to their vastly increased output. He also invented a horse-shoe forging machine and in 1905, designed and manufactured coining machinery and tooling for the Chinese mint. It became a limited company in 1908. During the First World War (1914-1918) they produced for machines for aeroplane construction by the Sopwith group. On Daniel Smith's death in 1939, came the succession of Mr. H. I. D. Tate as the new chairman of the company. By the 1960s, they had relocated to Castle House in Drayton Street, Wolverhampton. Also from this date, the manufacture of machines to make bicycle components such as wheel rims began to grow with the company securing several valuable deals abroad. In 1985, due to falling orders, they were bought out by the Rega Holdings industrial group who changed the company name to 'Equator'.
- Extent: 1 item
- Level: Item
- Related People:
- Keywords:
- Access Status: Open
- For more information contact: Wolverhampton Archives
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