Shells manufactured at the Shepshed Lace factory.

The Second World War

On the outbreak of the Second World War, the Engineering Department of The Shepshed Lace Manufacturing Co Ltd., was again turned over to War work and part of the Warehouse was given to the Ministry of Supply for storage. The Company, however, continued to produce goods for export and also some articles which were required for Army clothing. George William Price Limited maintained its export potential, and in 1940, when the Government called for an Export drive, Mr. L. W. Hancock went to Canada and the U.S.A., Mr. L. N. Attewell to South Africa, India and Burma, and Mr. H. T. Barsby to the West Indies and South America, on intensive selling missions.

They arrived back in this country in May, 1941 and, shortly after, the firm suffered a severe blow during an air-raid when an oil bomb dropped on the premises in Stoney Street. A large part of the Warehouse was extensively damaged although the Office records were saved. Most of the stock had to be written off. Mr. F. R. Price, together with his sons, Mr. W. H. Price and Mr. R. R. Price, who were on leave from the Armed Forces, visited the burning premises during the early hours of the morning after the raid, and arrangements were then made which enabled employees to go to work within twenty-four hours in temporary premises in Broadway.

Mr. G. W. Price, the Founder of the Price Organisation, died in March, 1943. He had for many years been the inspiration of The Shepshed Lace Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and George William Price Ltd., and both firms had come into being because of his foresight. His surviving son, Mr. F. R. Price, took over the Chairmanship of the entire organisation comprising George William Price Ltd., W. Parnham Smith Ltd., and The Shepshed Lace Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and his son, Mr. William H. Price, joined the Board of the latter, of which he is now General Manager.

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