Brian began by saying that for such an important company, there was very little written about it’s history which began in America in 1897.

Aside from their batteries, which were well known to the public, the company also produced radios in 1935 and onward under the name BEREC.  Included in the list of Ever Ready ‘Novelties’ were cigar lighters, night lights, and the Number 1 Ever Ready Torch, among many other items.

As sales rose in 1912, the shortage of workers led to women being employed for the first time.  Battery sales exceeded 15 million.  In fact, Ever Ready was a main supplier during the war and by 1942 they had supplied over 54 million Battery torches.

By the end of the war, Ever Ready employed over 15,000, but by 1950 production had been centralised into 12 factories with a labour force of only 7000.  From that date onward, Ever Ready sales had dropped and the company was eventually acquired by Hanson Plc for £95m in 1982.  The company then went through a series of other owners.

By 2010 the Ever Ready brand logo was replaced by Eveready and most of their products were made in the Far East.

Just a few of the items on display!