Er]
Page 28
Page 29
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
alter Tonge
ALIFETIME'S work in and around his home town has brought Bolton-born Eric Walter Tonge to the head of an industry that plays a valuable part in ensuring the area's commercial prosperity—the manufacture of tipping gears. His influence, however, is by no means confined to that vicinity and away in Holland Mr. Tonge is noted for his activities in the kipper business, although it should be explained without delay that the Dutch " kipper " is not a variety of fish, "kipper " being the Dutch word for tipper.
Coal mining had been the family interest for at least two previous generations so, with a grandfather who was manager of a group of collieries, it followed almost naturally that, after leaving Bolton School, Eric Tonge sought his fortune in the same field. Apprenticed to colliery work, and undertaking technical training at Wigan, the young man acquired a wealth of engineering knowledge, for the larger mines were to a great degree self-sufficient. With all this went practical management training and, after qualifying as a mine manager, Mr. Tonge was for a time assistant manager at the colliery where he had commenced his career. A thoughtful, somewhat retiring personality, he went conscientiously about his duties, all the while wondering what would be the outcome of the difficulties encountered by Lancashire's traditional industries in the 'tween-wars period.
Today 58-year-old Mr. Tonge is managing director. of Bromilow and Edwards, Ltd., managing director of EdbroB. and E. Tippers, Ltd., and chairman of the board of Pilot Works, Ltd. To trace the seeds of inspiration which led him away from the languishing mines, and into the commercial vehicle world, one must go back to one of his earliest recollections. In the days before the 1914-18 War he was taken by a local doctor for a car ride with, acting
as driver, Maurice Edwards, who was later to become wellknown in the tipping gear industry. In a predominantly horse-drawn era this was a great experience. A schoolboy
interest in motor vehicles of all kinds developed, bringing the acquisition of a motorcycle when be started business followed by a car as soon as he was of age to obtain a full driving licence. Even to those destined for the higher levels of industry, mining in the 1920s did not offer particularly good prospects. However, at the back of Eric Tonge's mind was a personal interest in the internal combustion epgine, coupled with an urge to become his own boss. Thus, while he toiled in the colliery business he was planning to set up his own garage and, although he started in a small way in the early 'thirties, steady effort had built up a substantial undertaking before the start of the last war.
The outbreak of hostilities was, of course, followed by severe restrictions on the retail motor business, and when Mr. Tonge was asked to employ his management experience and specialized engineering knowledge by taking over the position of works manager to Edwards Bros., Ltd., he gladly did so. At the same time he kept his own establishment in being until, in due course, it was sold.
Soon after the end of the war Mr. Tonge was appointed to the board. Expansion was taking place in Bolton's tipping gear industry and the labour force engaged in the three principal factories had become several times as large as in pre-war days. By 1952 an arrangement had been concluded for Edwards Bros., Ltd., to merge with Bromilow and Edwards, Ltd. Whilst the amalgamation was in progress, there died the head of the Edwards organization, Mr. John Edge. To those who knew the situation it was then no more than the natural order of things for Mr. Tonge to become general manager and, a year or so later, managing director of the group.
During the past decade an increasing interest has been manifested in overseas markets, particularly North America, Holland (where an associate company is in being), Australia and New Zealand. More recently a great deal of thought has been given to prospects of the Common Market and an associate company is on the point of formation in Germany. Mr. Tonge sees every hope for the progress of British commercial vehicles on the Continent and his group is all set to follow this up with equipment designed to meet the requirements of British chassis in this particular sphere.
With all that has happened, Bolton-born Eric Tonge is still happy to keep his roots deep in his own district. He has been a leading figure in the local golf clubs, enjoys a game of bridge and finds satisfaction in his large garden and in walking in the neighbouring countryside. Having a keen personal interest in agricultural affairs, he acquired a farm at nearby Rivington and there he has lived for the past eight years. A.T.