Perkins Study New Forms of Power
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THE design and research departments of F. Perkins, Ltd., are working on new engine designs and "studying other new forms of power which may have an application in the very long-term future," states Mr. F. Perkins, chairman and managing director, in his annual report.
Referring to the £828,759 net profit for 1955, compared with £1,169,340 for 1954, Mr. Perkins said that the drop was largely because of heavy expenses incurred in developing the R6 engine, produced to meet the demands of overseas users for an oil engine which would maintain a high road speed. In spite of extensive road tests, difficulties were shown up under operating conditions.
The company's policy was to ensure the least possible inconvenience to operators of R6-powered vehicles. Large sums had been spent on modifying the engine and when the work was cOrnplete the unit "will be fully up to the standard of reliability of our other products," Mr. Perkins affirmed.
Shortages of constructional steel and labour slowed progress on the factory extension, but this was now nearing completion and some tools had been installed. More equipment would be delivered during the current year, hut it was not expected that the full benefit of the expenditure involved would he apparent mita 1957.
Basic industries had not increased their supplies of alloy steel to satisfy the demand created by the growing popularity of the oil engine, Mr. Perkins complained.
WAGES FOR MAKERS OF PLASTICS BODIES FIXED
NATIONAL wages agreements for the bodybuilding industry have been modified to embrace work with plastics. A new classification in the agreements stipulates a basic hourly rate of 3s. 92d. for men employed in making plastics parts and 3s. 311d. for adult women. Other classifications have been extended to cover the fitting and fixing of plastics components.
The new scales came into force on April 13.
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