Book chronicles firm history

A new book chronicling the 150-year history of one of Wolverhampton's biggest employers has been published.

Joseph Sankey and his Workpeople by William Moorewood, who worked at the factory in Albert Street, Bilston for 50 years, combines the history of the company with comments and anecdotes from numerous former employees.

The book will not be sold commercially but is available on request. No fee will be charged but contributions to local charities and the GKN Sankey Employees Charity Fund are asked for.

Joseph Sankey & Sons was founded in 1854 in Dudley Street with just a few employees and one clerk. It gradually expanded to Albert Street, then acquired Bankfield, Manor Ironworks, Hadley Castle works in Telford and the Bath Street site.

By the time of its centenary it employed some 7,000 people in its British factories. It also ran factories in India, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

It was popularly known for domestic hollowware, Sankey-Sheldon steel office furniture, and for Sankey vending machines but its range of products was much wider than that. Several generations of many local families were employed, many becoming management. The company later became part of the GKN group.

Steven Norgrove, managing director of GKN AutoStructures Ltd, said: "The book outlines the diversity of product and people working in many locations in this country and overseas over the years.

"We are pleased to have had this account published for the interest of all current and former employees.

"We acknowledge the work put in freely by Bill Moorewood and the many people who have contributed to the history of a great company."

A copy of the book can be obtained by emailing Beverley.Towlson@autostructures.gknplc.com or on 01952 428 108.