Report - Ferodo/Friction Dynamics, Caernarfon May 2017

[mookster]

Ferodo Caernarfon was opened by Princess Margaret in 1962. By the late 1960s it employed up to 1,100 making braking components and friction pads.

The site was bought by American; Craig Smith in 1997 and renamed “Friction Dynamics”, operating with a workforce of 220 in that year.

By April 2001, Union members staged industrial action against bosses in a dispute over their terms and conditions. They picketed the factory gates after they were locked out.

Eight weeks later, bosses sacked the members, which sparked a three-year dispute; the longest of its kind in North Wales.

After losing a legal battle in 2002, Friction Dynamics called in the receivers in August 2003 and all workers were sacked. Three weeks later; Dynamex Friction was set up.

The site continued to operate until 2008 when it finally closed its doors.

Visited with @Landie_Man a few years back, back in the days we were allowed to go on multi-day trips (oh how I miss them). Prior to turning up we knew it was a gutted shell however we both rather enjoyed it here, despite how empty the cavernous space was it was surprisingly photogenic. The large boiler house was cool as well, especially dodging the pools of oil and piles of asbestos scattered around the building.

Thanks for looking etc​

 

[Mikeymutt]

For an empty shell it's actually quite nice. I see what you mean by it being photogenic.

 

[trikey]

Nice, my mate lives a couple of mins from here and keeps asking me to come up and see it, think I shall have to make the effort one we are allowed out again.

 

[HughieD]

That place is massive. Some nice perspective shot there @mookster . Is it still with us or has it been demo'ed?

 

[mookster]

That place is massive. Some nice perspective shot there @mookster . Is it still with us or has it been demo'ed?

I believe its still there - last summer at least a huge ten wheeled crane appeared inside and was abandoned as well although I think that's now been removed!

 

[Calamity Jane]

Nice big spaces, with some nice old remnants too. Great nature growing through the floor shots and the natural decay with peeling paint and rusting is very photogenic .

 

[jones-y-gog]

As you say its surprisingly photogenic. @trikey its worth the effort!

 

[Helen Davies]

Visited with @Landie_Man a few years back, back in the days we were allowed to go on multi-day trips (oh how I miss them). Prior to turning up we knew it was a gutted shell however we both rather enjoyed it here, despite how empty the cavernous space was it was surprisingly photogenic. The large boiler house was cool as well, especially dodging the pools of oil and piles of asbestos scattered around the building.

Thanks for looking etc​

 

[Helen Davies]

I worked here in the office from 83 to 89 and have fond memories of my first job in the big wide world... which set me up well for an industry career.
My time was there was great fun and I have photos of staff inside and outside. To see it derelict is sad .. I can in my mind see these areas vibrant with activity and people.... I have never gone back and didn't realise how it had all decayed. I wonder what happened to many of my colleagues who were so generous with their guidance to a youngster