This business was started about three years ago, on a small scale, which very quickly developed on finding that the “A. L. Board” Stiffeners were approved and used successfully by some of the largest manufacturers in the county. Since then machinery has been quadrupled, the factory doubled in size, and millions of these stiffeners have been made for Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, South Africa and India, and not a single complaint or return has been received.

Mr W H Chamberlain

Mr D Chamberlain

A new business has been added in the manufacture of Stiffeners for the British Army and Navy, and many, many thousands for the Russia Ankle and Cossack Boots have been turned out, with every success.

New premises have been acquired in Higham Ferrers, which will be used entirely for the manufacture of Leather Stiffeners, and high-class Heels.

Mr. Chamberlain is assisted by Mr. W. H. Chamberlain, and also Mr. Donald Chamberlain. The latter enlisted in the R.G.A. some 12 months ago, and is now serving in France.

Mr. Chamberlain is well known over a wide district, and, besides the above business, caters very successfully for the leather trade and holds considerable stocks. He thoroughly understands the business, having had a wide experience with the best houses.

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Rushden Echo, June 30th 1967, transcribed by Sandy Iliffe

Higham Firm's record profits
THE Higham Ferrers-based firm of W W Chamberlain (Associated Companies) Ltd., manufacturers of shoe components, leather board and plastic laminates, havej for the fourth successive! year made a record group profit of £259,617.

In his report to the annual meeting the chairman and joint managing director, Mr. W. R. P. Chamberlain says that this result was achieved in spite of serious economic action by the Government.

"Against this background I consider the year's results satisfactory." he reports.