Taken from Chronicle and Echo 13 May 1967 , transcribed by Sue Comont

Walter Sargent and Co. Close Factory in 1967

Rushden firm Walter Sargent and Co (Manufacturers) Ltd is to close their factory in Glassbrook Road putting 200 out of work. A spokesman blamed deteriorating trading conditions over the past year, the impact of the current squeeze on profitability, severe competition from low cost imports and the uncertain future facing the industry.

The closure is to be phased over next few months and employees will be given notice over a period to minimise the effects of immediate redundancy.
The firm began in 1871 and had concentrated production on mens footwear, exporting 25% of their total output.