"The post-war growth of the electrical industry, culminating in nationalisation, has made it possible for electricity to be available to almost anyone, and one of the greatest of electricity's advantages is the electric drive, and in recent years there has been a considerable development of motors and machinery for the express purpose of supplying the needs of industry in this direction. One of the products of science that has helped forward the march of progress in many industries is the alternating current electric motor, and the introduction of a factory by Howells (electric motors) ltd., Stoke-on-Trent has meant that North Staffordshire shares in this advancement in no small degree.

As the only manufacturers of their kind in North Staffordshire, Messrs. Howells have established for the district a reputation for producing electric motors which are among the leading products of this extremely important industry. A short tour of the works leaves the impression that efficiency is the keynote of this progressive firm. The works are well planned and the up-to-date machinery is spaced to facilitate the orderly and rapid progress of the various components through the many processes. The present planning and methods are the result of 40 years' experience and research to the fullest degree, and the general impression to be gained by a visit to Vale Place is that here is a modern industry, run on sound lines providing ideal conditions for manufacture.

The products consist of electric motors for all industrial purposes, and, as good delivery is the all-important factor, the works together with its branch offices, carries a stock of about 1,500 motors ready for immediate despatch. This stock, and the machines which are in course of manufacture enable even non-standard machines to be despatched in the shortest possible time. Set in the centre of the pottery area, it is natural that the needs of the industry are studied, and it is interesting to note that this firm produces for the local manufacturers buffing and grinding machines for the finishing and sorting of ware.

This thriving local industry has not only won for itself an important place among the principal factories of North Staffordshire, but also, by constant change of methods and the introduction of the latest designs, has kept abreast of the swift advance made in other branches of the electrical industry. Machines made at Vale Place Works are sent to every country in the world, and the export trade still continues to expand. Offices have now been established by the firm in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol and a qualified staff is maintained in each of these areas able to give service at short notice. Thus, the service covers every important area in the kingdom."