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World War II brought a lot of changes that ultimately led to the company
expanding even further. Production of musical instruments ceased and Premier
started making gun sights for anti tank guns, and plugs and sockets for
radar equipment.
Fred Della Porta says, "the war taught us accuracy". When making these other
things they had to be absolutely accurate. There was no room for
miscalculating. Also due to the war they made an investment in the necessary
machinery for diecasting so that they could make their own die cast
fittings.
Not only did the war give Premier accuracy and full foundry capabilities
but it also moved them to Wigston in Leicester. The Park Royal factory was
destroyed in September 1940.
Since Premier did important war work they were re-located by the ministry of
supply to this small town in Leicester. This proved to be a happy location
for the company-centre of the country that was convenient for transporting
equipment to distributors and ports for exports.
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When the war ended the company found itself with plenty of potential. Fred
Della Porta started using his ingenuity to exploit fully the post war
markets by beginning to export Premier drums.
During the 50's and 60's a new generation took over the running of Premier.
George Smith retired in 1956 and Albert Della Porta died in 1965. By the
time this sad event had occurred Albert's three sons were well established
in the business. |
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