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National Machine Gun Factory

A need to step up armament production led to the setting up of National Factories from 1915. Construction for the National Machine Gun Factory started in 1917 on land purchased from Branston Golf Course on the north side of Branston Road. The factory was designed by the Enfield Armament Company and built by Thomas Lowe & Sons it was completed towards the end of the First World War and briefly went into production from January to May 1919. Anticipated production was to be 400 guns per week though this may have been changed to repair and reconditioning of guns.

The site was sold in 1920 to Crosse & Blackwell for £612,856. Crosse & Blackwell produced Branston Pickle on the site until 1925 before moving production to their London factory.

The factory was used by the Branston Artificial Silk Company from 1927-30 and did not have a major tenant until taken on by the Royal Ordnance in 1937. Much extended it remained in use until 1975 when responsibility transferred to the Home Office.

Parts of the site have been sold for housing with part retained by the Ministry of Justice for supplies and storage. The industrial buildings were more recently leased to B&Q as warehousing. Planning permission has been sought for a housing development of the remaining site with the listed office building, canteen and pumphouse to be retained for housing and retail.
by John M

Created: Sun, 22 May 2016, Updated: Sun, 22 May 2016


4 images use this description:

SK2321 : National Machine Gun Factory - Canteen by John M
SK2321 : National Machine Gun Factory - Gatehouse by John M
SK2321 : National Machine Gun Factory - Canteen by John M
SK2321 : National Machine Gun Factory - Offices by John M


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