Kirkstall Forge

During the Second World War, production expanded to meet the demand for military vehicles, and the site was camouflaged to reduce the risk of bombing raids.

[2] The Butler family were involved for six generations from 1779 in the management of the Forge and eventually purchased it in 1893 from the Cardigan Estate for £12,000.

In 1876 he was asked to read a paper before the meeting of British Iron and Steel Institute in Leeds about the new process of "reeling bars" that had been developed under his father Ambrose.

Ambrose had fought to preserve the firm in his later years but it was largely due to Edmund's grit and determination that it survived and prospered.

He was ably helped by his younger brothers Bernard and Hugh who all worked enormously hard during these years.

During the Second World War, production expanded to meet the demand for military vehicles, and the site was camouflaged to reduce the risk of bombing raids.

[citation needed] During World War II, many bombing raids were carried out along the Aire Valley.

In 1964, Kirkstall Forge bought the Regent Axle company based in Burnley to expand its gear machining capabilities.

The new building is named Number One and was occupied by Zenith Vehicle Contracts Ltd, Bupa, Mercedes-Benz Vans and CEG.