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| From the booklet 'A History of Progress' by W.E. Sargent |
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Walter Sargent & Co Ltd
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THE BEGINNING - ONE MAN WITH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION It was about 1870 that our business was started in Rushden by the late Walter Sargent (father of the present Managing Director) a man with foresight and courage greatly in excess of his capital, which made his early efforts a hard struggle for some years until the first factory in College Street, little more than a row of cottages, was acquired in 1880. Increasing business compelled larger premises in 1887 when a four-storey factory was erected in Crabb Street.
Up to about 1890 very little manufacturing was actually done in the factory, only upper leather and bottom stock, cutting, cleaning and packing being handled. All other operations such as closing, making and finishing were done at workpeoples' homes.
When we came to the stage when machinery was gradually replacing handwork we were one of the first firms in the district to install it, and as time went on our business continued to expand by dint of sheer hard work and close personal attention to our customers' requirements. About 1925 it was decided that specialisation was essential to meet increasing competition, so we reorganised to make Goodyear Welted shoes only. The change over not only improved the quality of the goods but reduced production costs. Wholesale buyers were so quick to appreciate the excellent value we offered that it was impossible to cope with the demand for several years.
Around 1937 we commenced the manufacture of ladies' shoes, now considerably expanded since Mr. R. E. B. Sargent (grandson of the Founder) re-joined us in 1946 after serving with distinction throughout the war in the R.A.F. When our factory was requisitioned by the Ministry of Aircraft from 1941—1946 we were compelled to carry on in a small factory loaned by another manufacturer, but, on regaining possession of the Glassbrook Road premises opportunity was taken to completely reorganise. The latest heating and lighting systems were installed, and wherever possible old plant was replaced by new and every machine fitted with individual electric motors. We now have an up-to-date canteen for the use of our workpeople and their welfare is studied in many other ways. In our modern premises we claim to have one of the most efficient factories in this district for making ladies' and men's best quality footwear. In addition to a first-class connection with the leading wholesale and multiple houses in Gt. Britain and Northern Ireland, a considerable export business is done to Canada, Australia, Malta, West Indies, etc.
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