Morris Minor Owners Club

ciderman wrote:Just want to correct a few points recently raised regarding LMC Hadrian. LMC Hadrian only manufactured at Westbury Site, although they did open a northern site for just over a year but this didn't work out. LMC Hadrian made Morris Minor Panels long before they bought Hendric out. As for the work force all are out of work now. The tools have gone to 3 different places obvioulsy the minor ones to ESM. As for all machines and presses they have been cut up and put in scrape bins. Most of the knowledge regarding the machines and tools go with the redundant work force particularly 2 chaps.

Yes very sad news.
I think it was the Midlands (Coventry site) that was only in operation for a year or so. I assume that was just a distrubution warehouse. The NW site at Hexham I understood was the first site. when I first started dealing with them the MD/owner or whatever he was certainly came from the North East! (this would be about 12 years ago). All history now anyway.
As an aside to the serious news, when they bought Henric out, the deal also included the Morris Minor Lobster car, originally built for a childerns TV program. He said it was standing in a corner of their premises at Hexham and that it was the standing joke that any new employee or sales rep got it a as a company car. I don't think they really knew what to do with it tbh! Anyone know what became of it?

Incidentally, I've been doing some work for the company that bought the assets of LDV vans, and understand that much of that equipment was scrapped - such a waste. At least some of the original workforce have been retained.

Thats a tradegy why sell for scrap i feel sorry for the guys put out of work and production of sorts goes on thousands of miles away and not a patch on there work!.

hadrian took over what was lmc panels in 1993. coventry was just distribution warehouse as was hexham . they did take on part of a press shop in ambl northumberland for a year to 18 months ago but did not work out. westbury was the only manufacturing site thats where the henric machines and tools went then lmc hadrian took them over in about 2001. as for the lobster morris known as claude.that lay in a shed at westbury most of that time. yes flat tyres brakes stuck on and in arusty state when it was dragged out the shed with fork lift. i also understand from a friend of mine who worked at lmc that a couple chaps wanted to buy the tools and machines .well esm have the tools now.

The last time I can recall seeing the Lobster Minor was at the 50th Anniversary at Blenheim in 1998

I've noticed that some more structural repair panels are now going out of stock at ESM. Including Sill panels!

Prossibly due to the delay in setting up production of new LMC Hadrian panels?

Especially if they don't have access to a press - or a certificated press setter........

ESM should do as they already manufactured some panels before the LMC Hadrian takeover, such as he excellent rear chassis leg made by ESM.

Hi I did buy some parts from LMC Hadrian I hope all at LMC find jobs ok
And I did sale a lot of parts to LMC that I make
Regards Ashley Hinton

Saw The Lobster in Hexham this morning, complete with claws. Can post photos later if anyone would like to see it

Freda

Hi Freda - I saw the lobster at a few rallies years ago but I'm sure that those who haven't seen it would be interested in seeing some photos

Glad to hear its still about. Completely nuts but great fun!

Claude the Lobster as requested. There is also a video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuUw9ICRCLE.

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Ah, an advertising hoarding! Seems like a very good use for a very odd vehicle! At least it survives.