Metal Box

2010 - The End Of An Era

By Pauline Marples

The demolition of the Metal Box buildings in Rock Valley, reveal that another era in the industrial history of Mansfield is changing. The buildings date back over 100 years and are recalled by local people as Barringers or Metal box, due to their respective owners. Barringer, Wallis Manners Ltd., and the Metal Box Company. In recent years it became Crown Speciality Packaging, a firm which has now moved to Forest Town.

E. Thomas who took these photographs on the 18th August 2010 said "I think its sad to see such a landmark go, it must hold many memories for so many people."

And of course it does, in the last two weeks I personally have heard people comment "My mum worked there in ammunitions before I was born", "I did my apprenticeship there", My husband used to take his lorry there to be loaded up and the tins were taken to biscuit companies etc., (he worked for Forrest Removals & Haulage Company).

Mansfield Museum is keen to record peoples memories, about Metal Box, and now have an ongoing project about the firm. As a start they are holding a Mansfield Metal Box Memory Day Friday 3 September 2010 for people who are able to visit the Museum between 10am-4pm. Additionally it is hoped that people will had their comments and memories at the end of this page.

If you have photographs or other memorabilia please contact Jodie Henshaw at the museum on 01623 463088 jhenshaw@mansfield.gov.uk