Herbert Tooling (acquired by Clarkson, Nuneaton)

From 1976 to 1984 I worked for Clarkson International Tools of Nuneaton. In the early '80s they acquired one of the other tool manufacturers in Coventry and I worked at a couple of their factories for short periods. I was being sponsored by Clarksons on a degree course at Coventry Polytechnic at the time so these jobs were during the college holidays. The first of the jobs was in an office that designed special taps. Basically I just had to do some calculations and mark dimensions, angles etc. on a pre-printed drawing of a tap. The next job I think was at a different location and I worked in the metallurgy laboratory. My memory is very hazy and for some reason I thought the firm was Alfred Herbert but I think I must be mistaken. The taps had various trademarks including Osborn and Larcher. I just wondered if anyone here knows which company was taken over by Clarksons?

I believe Clarkson acquired Herbert Tooling around 1981. Herbert Tooling was part of Alfred Herbert and the administrative offices were in Wilsons Lane.

Did you know David Greenhalgh and Ron Stringer, both old Alfred Herbert colleagues.

It appears to still be trading as well, a small firm that appears to make parts for old AH lathes. Interesting that these names persist!

Thanks for the replies. It looks like AH was split up and Clarksons took the bits that were of interest to them (they concentrated on milling cutters, taps and masonry drills plus their cutter grinder machine). I think the Clarkson name is also still going but only in Canada. I remember my boss getting a visit from one of the technical guys from the Canada branch of the firm. He spoke with a broad Scottish accent even though he was born and bred in Canada!

The names do sound familiar, especially Ron, was he one of the bosses or a foreman? My memory is hopeless and I later worked for a much longer period at Dunlop. My boss at Dunlop was also a Ron, Dr Ron Fisher.

The Clarkson Autolock Chuck. Used one many times during my Wickman days.