The History
Like anyone else who has reported this I too struggled to find any history about this place.
Hi-Finish was originally founded in 1920 but on different site to this one at Hall Green. They specialised in the manufacture of high pressure die castings and surface coatings. Their client list included Bentley and Jaguar.
Perhaps more interestingly, this specific works was originally part of the Rootes Group empire (of Sunbeam and Hillman fame), under the guise of their 'Special Products Division'. A few relics of the Rootes days remain, most notably a couple of abstract murals in the lobby and canteen.
Hi-Finish appears to have become insolvent in around 2008 with a loss of just 42 jobs.
The Explore
After getting the tip off from @clebby on this one I decided to have a look.
Was quite impressed with what was left inside, a few nice bits inside.
I think it’s always sad to see what gets left behind when a company like this goes to the wall.
Some of the old castings lying around reminded me of a bygone era, from when we had a great engineering backbone in the UK. The old BL, Ford and jaguar bits lying around where interesting to see. Along with the large fibreglass casting in the reception area.
The offices where largely stripped but I did love what must been the MD’s office with it lush wood panelling and hidden drinks cabinet
Was a nice way to waste a few hours.....
Enjoy the pics
Like anyone else who has reported this I too struggled to find any history about this place.
Hi-Finish was originally founded in 1920 but on different site to this one at Hall Green. They specialised in the manufacture of high pressure die castings and surface coatings. Their client list included Bentley and Jaguar.
Perhaps more interestingly, this specific works was originally part of the Rootes Group empire (of Sunbeam and Hillman fame), under the guise of their 'Special Products Division'. A few relics of the Rootes days remain, most notably a couple of abstract murals in the lobby and canteen.
Hi-Finish appears to have become insolvent in around 2008 with a loss of just 42 jobs.
The Explore
After getting the tip off from @clebby on this one I decided to have a look.
Was quite impressed with what was left inside, a few nice bits inside.
I think it’s always sad to see what gets left behind when a company like this goes to the wall.
Some of the old castings lying around reminded me of a bygone era, from when we had a great engineering backbone in the UK. The old BL, Ford and jaguar bits lying around where interesting to see. Along with the large fibreglass casting in the reception area.
The offices where largely stripped but I did love what must been the MD’s office with it lush wood panelling and hidden drinks cabinet
Was a nice way to waste a few hours.....
Enjoy the pics
