Josiah Parkes and Sons, lockmakers, Willenhall
- Ref No: D-EXP/P/I45/55
- Date: 2 Jan 1981
- Additional Information: David Hollington of Allen Drive, Darlaston, was awarded apprentice of the year. The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and India are mentioned.
- Admin History: Founded by Josiah Parkes and his brother, William in 1840 as iron merchants in Willenhall. The original partnership was dissolved in 1868 when Josiah was joined by his son William Edmund. In 1885 James Harry, another son joined the firm which became known as Josiah Parkes and Sons. In 1916 the business became a private company and in 1936 a public company. In 1934 the original Union Street buildings were demolished and new ones erected. By 1940 over 900 people were employed by the firm. In 1965, Josiah Parkes and Sons (Holdings) Ltd became members of the Chubb Group. In 1973, they purchased Dutch company Lips. In 1984, Chubb was taken over by the Racal Electronics Group. It became part of the Racal Group of Companies, but continued under its original name. As a result of the takeover, all commercial production was eventually transferred to the Josiah Parkes sites in Portobello and Union Street, Willenhall. Only Chubb Safe Equipment Company and Chubb High Security remained at Wednesfield. Racal subsequently sold Chubbs to Williams Holdings Plc, in 1997, who instigated a major redevelopment programme. In August, 2000, Chubb and the rest of the lock security group were acquired by Assa Abloy, a Swedish based lock manufacturer.
- Extent: 1 item
- Level: Item
- Keywords:
- For more information contact: Wolverhampton Archives
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