But the firm closed down in 1980 and plans are soon to go before East Northants Council for permission to build 27 flats with car parking facilities at the site at the junction of Midland Road and Station Road.

The scheme, submitted by Bedford architects on behalf of a Kempston builder, is likely to be considered on February 1.

Mr Tom Thacker, who worked at the factory for 52 years and became a co-director, said: "It is certainly a unique type of building. In the days when you could travel by train from Rushden to Wellingborough the factory was a very imposing building seen from the carriages."

A spokesman for the architects said the new building would retain the distinctive V shape outline. The flats would provide one and two bedroom accommodation.