THREE of Rushden's most enterprising companies, particularly in the field of exports, have decided to amalgamate. They are Cox and Wright, Ltd., who export something like 64 per cent of their production; Fred Hawkes (NV Engineers) Ltd., whose export record extends over the past forty years at an average of 40 per cent of their production; and Hawkes Refrigeration to discuss their companies' past and future. This week the "Echo" interviewed the deputy chairman of Cox and Wright George F. Wright, and the chairman of the Hawkes Companies, Mr. W. V. Hawkes, to discuss their companies’ past and future.

Two important topics to be discussed were labour and future production.

Both men stressed that the amalgamation was for the benefit of all concerned—company and employee.

Mr. Hawkes said: "No single individual in any of the three companies need have any misgivings as to his future. His opportunities can only be increased by this amalgamation and they will be."