BIG TRANSPORT DEPOT BUILT DURING THE WAR PERIOD
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Donaldson Wright, Ltd:, Opens New Central Premises at Nottingham Consisting of Offices at Front and, Behind Them, Loading Bays With Double Platform, Canteen, Fuel Stores and Workshops
REMARKABLE facts were revealed at a luncheon attended last week in Nottingham by many who are interested in road transport. The occasion was the opening of the new premises of Donaldson Wright, Ltd., a company which itself has an unusual history. As was recalled by Aid. L. W. A. White, in proposing its toast, the beginning of this concern was a realization by the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, in the chaotic times following the 1914-18 war, that the interests of its members called for the formation of a department to organize transport for them. This enterprise was entrusted to Mr. Donaldson Wright, as a servant of the Chamber, and when its activities became so successful that profit making . was inevitable, the Chamber, not being a trading concern, arranged • for it to be taken over as a separate entity by Mr. Wright and his fellow directors.
Building Commenced fleptemEet I Even more interesting than that, however, is the fact that the new premises have been constructed at all. Business expansion led the directors to decide, a year or more ago, to build, and a contract was signed in August for the work to commence on September 4, 1939. With the outbreak of war on September 3, it might well have been decided to shelve the scheme, but the directors, having faith in road transport, proceeded.
Their optimism, however, would not have been enough. To obtain the necessary materials, timber, steel and cement, it was necessary to convince the authorities that the extension was necessary in the national interest. It is, therefore, a tribute to road transport in general that the permits were granted.
Other ,speakers at the luncheon were Capt. C. Barrington, M.Inst.T., Messrs. j, F. Young, president of the Notting.. ham Chamber of Commerce, J. H. Stirk, Regional Traffic Commissioner, and H. C, Drayton, chairman of Transport Services, Ltd., who made a sound point in emphasizing that the expenditure of capital on these new buildings did not of itself mean that the company would make bigger profits.
Competition Aids Economic Service Mr. Drayton remarked that in many cases the cost of transport is greater than the cost of labour in the article carried and that the transporter is concerned only in providing his services economically to the manufacturer or trader. For this reason, incidentally, there must be fair play and reasonable competition between different forms at transport, and equally it is incumbent upon every transport undertaking to provide itself with the facilities necessary to its efficient working. These new buildings of Donaldson Wright, Ltd., are, therefore, primarily for the benefit of the trader.
The buildings in question are certainly well calculated to serve this end. Well-planned and nicely lighted offices are at the front. Behind them are the loading bays, a canteen, fuel stores and workshops with large inspection pit.
Double Platform Aids Handling
Main bays are divided by a twosided platform so that, for example, a local collection van can discharge on one side packages which can be transferred without unnecessary handling to a long-distance lorry at the other side for delivery to the consignee.
It is such points as these that distinguish the really experienced and practical operator from those who have little idea beyond the vehicles themselves and accommodation which may be no more than a shed. Efficiency at terminals is reflected throughout.
The premises do credit to the architect, Mr. Reginald W. Copper, F.R.I.B.A., of Russell House, Talbot Street, Nottingham, to the contractors, W. and J. Simons, Ltd.. of West 13ridgford, Nottingham, and to the operator, .Donaldson Wright, Ltd., the address of which is now Triumph Road, Lento% Nottingham.