Reference
Z1245/1/1
Title
A brief history of Munton & Fison Limited to mark the occasion of their fiftieth anniversary. [Photocopy]
Date free text
1971
Production date
From: 1971 To: 1971
Scope and Content
1. Beginnings
Foundation of Munton & Baker (Bedford) Ltd by Munton Baker-Munton in 1920; demand for malt extract; ; factory site in old Phoenix brewery, Bedford; association with Charles Wells Limited; Horace Baker-Munton partner in Munton and Baker of London, father of Munton, first chairman.
2. The Bedford years, 1921-1935
Mr W.J.Findlay, works manager; Albert Bird, works foreman and works manager; Richard Tayler, salesman; Arthur Allen, salesman; difficulties of pioneer years; first big annual contract in 1928; products.
3. The first expansion
Edward Fison Ltd (1935-39) - depression; attempts to establish export trade; acquisition of Edward Fison Limited of Ipswich, Suffolk; Leslie Chittock, malt extract foreman; modernisation and rationalisation.
4. The War Years and their aftermath, 1939-1948
Struggle for survival during war years; purchase of factory site at Willington; death of Horace Baker-Munton; Selwyn Baker-Munton and Monty Baker-Munton, sons of Munton, join firm; purchase of site of British Nylon Spinners at Stowmarket, Suffolk;
5. The second expansion - Stowmarket (1948-1958)
Initial plans for Stowmarket; equipment purchased; sale of Willington site; death of Munton Baker-Munton; succeeded as chairman by Sir Richard Wells; Walter Foreman from Diss (Norfolk) leader of new works team; Cyril Chambers, works director of Yorkshire maltings; transfer of Ipswich malt extract factory to Stowmarket, 1953; death of Sir Richard Wells, 1956, succeeded by his son Major David Wells; further expansion; trading activities of Muntona and Edward Fison Ltd amalgamated; company name changed to Munton & Fison Ltd; sale of Ipswich premises 1956; closure and sale of Bedford site 1959; supplier of malt to Scotch whisky industry.
6. The 1960's - Bridlington
Joint venture with two Scottish distilling companies; acquisition of new site at Bridlington, Yorkshire for new maltings; production begins October 1964; further expansion; death of Selwyn Baker-Munton age 46, succeeded as chief executive by brother Monty; acquired partners shares in Bridlington maltings.
7. The 1970's - present and future
Turnover £3,350,000 in 1970; staff numbers under 200; replacing equipment at Stowmarket.
Level of description
item