Page 10 - AWTX Internal Newsletter December 2018 UK

L-R: John Spellar (Warley
Member of Parliament),
Andrew Lound (Author),
Lance Read (AWTX VPGM),
Linda Waite

The Power of Balance

New book tells the incredible story of Avery in World War 1

After being in business for over 200 years, Avery Weigh- give you some idea of what our general position is under
Tronix has witnessed many pivotal moments in history. the very grave National disturbance that is now going on.
As 2018 marks 100 years since the ending of the First These works form a very important unit in the whole of the
World War, a new book by historian and former curator business of this Company, and as far as we are permitted to
of the Avery Historical Museum, Andrew Lound, tells the do so, we propose to carry on business until further notice.
incredible story of the work of the men and women of Should darker days come, and shortage of work arise, we
Avery during WW1. Andrew spent years researching the shall adopt a policy of shorter hours rather than a smaller
book, and carried out extensive research using the Avery number of work-people. In this case we shall endeavour to
Weigh-Tronix archives, as well as interviewing people find employment for everybody.
connected to the war.
Now a word about these brave lads of ours who have gone
Company history to the front. There are thirty-four, we believe, who have gone
out of these works, and over fifty from our Bristol works and
At the time of WW1, Avery was the world’s biggest our branches in the United Kingdom. We know that our men
weighing company. The UK Government relied on the on active service will receive less pay than they would in
company’s expertise and knowledge to develop and regular employment here. What we are prepared to do is to
ensure accurate weighing in the munitions industry. This make up the difference between the average wage they have
high-quality workmanship resulted in more accurate been receiving and their military pay. The Company will pay
weighing machines, advanced testing machines and new this to whoever they ask us to pay it to and pay it from the
processes for manufacturing, including mass production. time they left our employ. There are only thirty-four men
As well as providing weighing expertise, over 1,200 Avery who have joined the forces from these works. When I look
employees bravely joined the draft. In this extract from at the large number around me, I say – that is not enough. I
the book, Gilbert Vyle, W&T Avery’s Managing Director want to make a special appeal to all of you who are qualified
addressed the assembled workforce on 12th August 1914 by physical fitness and age, to go down to the Town Hall in
at the Soho Foundry to encourage young men to join the Birmingham to-day and enrol your names – we will make up
draft; the difference in your pay, we will look after those at home,
and your jobs will be waiting for you when you come back.”
‘“I have asked you to assemble here today so that I can
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