The history of motoring in Staffordshire

Tallent was originally formed shortly after the Second World War in 1948 and produced, amongst other things, cigarette cases, lipstick holders and cosmetic powder compacts. By 1955, the company had progressed to developing car accessories, and during the 1970s they were in full swing, supplying pressed metal manufacturing and working in conjunction with many top names in manufacturing. After a party celebrating its 50th anniversary, when Prime Minister Tony Blair attended along with 200 other guests, the company went through various mergers and joint ventures that have helped this motor industry giant steadily claim its place as one of the top manufacturing companies in the world.
However, the current financial climate has seen many problems arise for other top companies and even though Tallent is seemingly withstanding the gloomy economic slump, Bentley have not enjoyed the same success. In January 2009, its factory in Crewe that specialised in producing the firm's Continental and Amage ranges was forced to lay dormant for seven weeks, leaving 3500 worker's with the option of applying for voluntary redundancy or taking the more unusual route of 'time banking'. Bentley insisted that no jobs would be forcibly lost and admirably offered staff the opportunity to spend their 'idle' time training or completing other duties. Although they received full pay for this, they did have to make up the lost time when manufacturing eventually resumed.
James Rosenstein, global director of external affairs for Bentley, commented: "There is a new production adjustment now because of the continued downturn in the market, great uncertainty about where things are going and the continued decline in sales. This staggering process will begin at the end of January and it will probably run through until May." This approach to avoiding redundancies was praised by local MP Edward Timpson, when he welcomed Bentley's responsible approach to the challenges they faced and for maintaining good industrial relations by looking after its workforce. It was later reported that staff had been making furniture during their downtime and were busy turning the walnut veneer, destined to create lavish dashboards in Bentley's luxurious cars, into unique furniture items.
As well as Bentleys and car components, the old English car maker Reliant, founded by the formidable Tom Williams, was also based in Staffordshire and was renowned for its infamous Robin Reliant three-wheeled creation. The company has been mocked for years and was essentially ignored for the important role it played in developing car design and production since it was founded in the 1930s. Based in Tamworth, Reliant proudly employed more people than any other business in the area for many years and it established the first motor industries in Turkey, Greece and Israel. It specialised in production of smaller cars like the Reliant, famously used by TV sitcom character Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, and became impressively self-sufficient with its innovative aluminum engine designs.
With such a vibrant history in the motor industry, it is easy to see why Staffordshire takes such pride in its automotive background; and with many companies enduring the downturn in the UK economy, there is no reason why Staffordshire cannot keep making history with its automotive industry.