EAW035101 ENGLAND (1951). The Pianoforte Supplies Ltd Works, Roade, 1951. This image was marked by Aerofilms Ltd for photo editing.

Pianoforte Supplies Ltd



It all began in 1910, when a firm known as 'J. Masters & Co' began manufacturing polishing paste along the railway tracks that run past the village of Roade. In 1922 the business closed and was purchased the following year by a former employee, C.T Cripps, who went to produce castings and fixtures for pianos as well as parts for automobiles.



The company was known as 'Pianoforte Supplies Ltd'.



In 1933 the factory was rebuilt following a large fire and then during the Second World War, went into full-time production, creating parts for vehicles and aircraft as part of the war effort.



In the 1960's the factory was known to have over 1,800 workers, but following the closure of Roade railway station a few years later, the factory began to slip into decline. The production of piano parts was ceased in the 1980's and although most of the site is now derelict, units nearby still manufacture car parts (Simplex) for companies such as Vauxhall.