| Description | The National Projectile Factory was a purpose built factory authorised by the Ministry of Munitions in August 1915, and construction of the buildings was completed by May 1916. Land was purchased from Messrs. Harper and Bean, (the Bean car manufacturers). The factory was managed by George Bean, Chairman of A. Harper, Sons & Bean who had their own munitions factory but could not themselves produce enough munitions to meet demand.
The factory originally employed around four thousand workers - many were women (munitionettes) and children. This huge influx of people into the region caused serious housing problems, but eventually land was found by the Town Council at Brewery Fields to build houses (called hutments) on for the workers. These houses were later destroyed in the 1930s as they had become too dangerous to live in.
From September 1916, the factory started to produce 6 inch, 18lb and 60lb shrapnel shells, progressing to the manufacture of 6 inch chemical shells in 1917. In late 1916, the government appealed for more women to join the workforce and offered free training in aspects of munitions manufacture. The hours varied, although 53 hours per week was average. The pay was generally good, although the work could be sometimes dangerous dealing with chemicals and high explosives. Gun repair was also undertaken in 1917.
Eventually, production of chemical shells overtook production of shrapnel shells. Shrapnel shell production was also further hampered by a steel shortage in 1918 causing production to change from shells to aero engines in March 1918. However, the National Projectile Factory continued to make shells until the end of 1918. By the early 1930s however, the factory outlived its usefulness and the land was sold. Part of the building however, is still standing in Hall Street, Dudley. |
| AdminHistory | The above admin history was taken from description for photo ref: P/1907 |