©  Anthony Green  2011

Spring making was the third major industry in the 19th century after needles and fishing tackle and its manufacturing processes use many of the same wire manipulation processes.

There were, and still are, a number of manufacturers of springs in Redditch but the largest, and most famous, was Herbert Terry and Sons Limited. Part of the factory still exists (right – Millsborough House) and this houses a number of different companies. However, much of the area has now been redeveloped and is partly covered by the Trafford Park shopping complex. At its peak Herbert Terry was employing over 1000 workers. Probably the most famous product manufactured by Herbert Terry was the Anglepoise lamp which revolutionised lamp design. The company also produced the famous ‘Terry’s Clips’ for tools and pens . The Anglepoise lamp still continues to be produced today, as do Terry’s clips in many forms – but not in Redditch.

Springs continue to be manufactured in the town and there are nine Redditch based spring manufacturers listed by the Spring Manufacturers Association.

Spring making was the third major industry in the 19th century after needles and fishing tackle and its manufacturing processes use many of the same wire manipulation processes.

In terms of links, there does not seem to be any significant histories of spring manufacture in Redditch on the web. .

Short History - Spring Manufacture (Adobe Flash Presentation)