We had an email from s0meone interested in what the old metalbox site was used for during the 2 world wars, i got my contact to do some reasearch and this is what she found;

Hello Lorna

Thank you for visiting the Mansfield Metalbox site – we hope you liked it.

As regards your comment on the activities at the site during the two World Wars, I have enclosed an extract from a book which gives you an idea of what the factory was involved in during those times. I hope this answers your question.

Another point of interest on these pages is the reference to Charles Fletcher and his time with the company. As you will see he was the man who designed the Quality Street tin over 100 years ago and which is still used today.

With kind regards
Nicola

You can download the extract from the book here – buy the book here!

Had a lovely email off another ex-employee

“I was a Photographer with the Metal Box Film Unit based at Alperton and head office Reading from 1976/81. I recall visiting Mansfield in addition to all the MB factories primarily photographing machinery and employees at work in and around the factory and returning with sample products to the studios at Alperton for more detailed photography for research and marketing purposes.
I worked closely with Brian Cleveland at Alperton an outstanding Photographer with MB since 1955 who also possessed a wealth of knowledge about the people and factories. Brian was a pleasure to work with which I think was true of all the people at “The Box” I recall.
When on location the factories were always helpful to our particular needs for power and a pretty face, of which there were plenty to choose from I recall many humorous moments trying to find “the right girl” for a shot at Mansfield and indeed many other factories.
I still count it a privilege to have worked along side so many talented people and will always retain fond memories of them and indeed, The Box as it was the people that made it such an enjoyable period of my career and I suspect many others.  - Colin Hemsworth”

Keep em coming guys!

Things will be published and then they are here forever!

We’ve had another email from one of our regular visitors, and he has kindly sent in some pictures of old Metalbox Book covers

Well, they don’t look like the books in my memory, but here are a couple of photos that my sister has taken for me of some MetalBox related books. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick them up from my Dad tomorrow. I’ll look in to whether the museum has them too or not and I’ll see what the chances are of getting digital scans for the website if you like? Though I suspect you’re probably better qualified to do that kind of thing than me?

We’d be happy to scan the books in or publish the scans if anyone wants to send them in – the more pics the merrier!

We’ve had a comment from a visitor that i felt would benefit from going on here as a main article – can you help?

Just stumbled on this website while Googling for Worcester Ware. I spent a few months at Rock Valley during my student Apprenticeship, so I knew there had been some such production. I eventually retired after 40 odd years, mainly at Shipley.

Sad to see the end of the well known Clock Tower landmark. Looking at the photo of the demolition site the streets around  look familiar. Wasn’t there a chip shop on the road going across the top?

Now to the point – does anyone remember the Beatles Tray (and perhaps Coasters) produced about 1963/4? I’ve been asked by a writer (researching a book on early Beatles merchandise) for some detailed background, such as who designed it, manufacture and distribution. Also who negotiated the manufacturing license awarded to Metal Box. Can anyone help? Is there likely to be anyone working in the company who might have access to such records?

Any info appreciated.

Im not sure about the chip shop (before my time) but its quite possible! I hope we can help you find some info on the Beatles Trays!

I thought i’d post this as a blog entry as its a really nice insight into ancient metalbox

I only just found out today that MetalBox was being knocked down from my wife. My dad worked in the tool room from 1980 when it was on the ground floor in the main building until about 5 or 6 years ago when it was on the top floor next to maintenance under the clock tower. I personally worked in all departments on the shop floor for three or four years around 1995 to 1999 on and off, mostly in the Press Shop on the whiskey lines, Crosslands filters and the Skip cookers. I also spent a lot of time on the Altoids and Kiwi lines. Although the work day was mostly monotonous I still look back on my time there fondly. I was always fascinated by the machinery from being a child and I remember going in as a kid to pick up my dad’s wage packets, walking down the hall-of-fame and going to the old games room with the billiards and snooker tables.

I’m gutted to hear it’s been knocked down. Do you know what’s happening with the site and where they’ve move MB to?

Thanks for the site

Anthony

Well Anthony I can tell you that Crown have now moved to Crown Farm Industrial Estate, and I can also tell you the old site has been bought by a well known local developer and there has been numerous things suggested for the use of the site over the last year however I have seen some images that show what the site will more than likely be used for – but im sworn to secrecy for now!

As soon as i can get them (and am allowed to)  I will post them here for everyone to see.

Thanks for your email!

I just received this in my inbox – shows how big the site is, and how much of it still stands!

It also shows the damage caused to the top of the clock tower – looters stole the lead cladding and the metal from the clock mechanism during the night – its really sad to be honest, as this has stood as a Famous Mansfield Monument since before I was born, and now stands there in tatters. Very, very sad.

Click to make the image bigger!

If you have photos, stories or anything that we could add to the website, please fill out the form here and we’ll add it to the site!

This news post is for anyone who used to work at metalbox to comment and tell their stories.

Many Many Many residents of mansfield worked there, and even people in the surrounding areas…

If you have pictures, stories or anything to share from the former Mansfield Metalbox/Crown/CMB site then please do!

Click Here to Comment!

Thanks!

Welcome to the Mansfield Metalbox Tribute website, dedicated to the awesome site on which the metalbox factory was built. The site has an amazing history, and is nearing the end of its life due to its inhabitants (Barringers/CMB/Carnaud Metal Box/Crown) moving out after being situated there for over 100 years.

The site has become unsafe in parts, and costs a lot of money to run due to poor insulation and leaky roof’s – so Crown have moved to a new site, leaving the old place to be re-developed by its new owner.

This website is a tribute to the old site, there is/will be photographs that we’ve taken, news, reports and stories that have been submitted by people who worked their, lived there or just know a cool story about Metalbox and its crazy history