Buitenland : Australië

Dat begin jaren '30 de wereldwijde interesse voor batterijen groot was, had tot resultaat dat de fabriek zelfs een vestiging opende in Melbourne [1] , [2], Australië. De batterijen werden daar onder de naam 'IMPEX' geproduceerd en verkocht.
De plannen om de fabricage van de batterijen lokaal te laten plaatsvinden dateerden al van begin 1930.

Dat ook daar arbeidsonrust bekend was, kan wel geconcludeerd worden uit deze artikelen : [1], [2], [3].

advertentie 1  ,  advertentie 2  ,  advertentie 3

In januari 1936 werd de firma van een B.V. omgezet naar een N.V. en in september 1937 werd er nieuw kapitaal aangetrokken middels de uitgifte van nieuwe aandelen en kapitaal, en werd er zelfs in december van datzelfde jaar al dividend uitbetaald. De fabriek verhuisde daarvoor al naar een nieuwe (grotere) locatie aan de Hoddle Street welke op ongeveer 3,5km meer oostelijk lag ten opzichte van de locatie op de Spencer Street 562.
Dat de uitgifte van nieuwe aandelen niet leidde tot een groei van de omzet en productie blijkt wel uit het feit dat de directie van de fabriek eerst poogde te reorganiseren en schulden af te betalen voordat de fabriek in februari 1939 uiteindelijk failliet ging.
Na het faillissement vond er een veiling plaats, waarbij de voorraad batterijen, kartonnage (men vervaardigde en bedrukte de eigen verpakkingen & labels), de grondstoffen, de goodwill alsmede de merknamen 'IMPEX' en 'White Ray' onder de hamer kwamen.
Wat dit alles opleverde is niet bekend.
De artikel tekst uit de 'The West Australian' :

NEW MELBOURNE FACTORY.

Herberholds of Utrecht (Holland), who have been manufacturing all types of dry batteries for over 30 years, have establised a branch factory in Melbourne. It has began operations, and batteries are being manufactured with the same processes and formulae as are used in the European factory. Production is under the care of Herr Henze, the chief chemist from the head factory in Utrecht. Impex batteries are manufactured under German patents, and non injurious acids are used, all the chemicals being thoroughly tested. All types of Impex dry batteries' are manufactured and a guarantee is given with every battery against faulty workmanship or materials.

N.B.: de genoemde 30 jaar is wellicht een fout, de fabriek bestond amper 5 jaar.

Bron: The West Australian 9 maart 1932
(via Trove, Australië)
De artikel tekst uit de 'The West Australian' :

Herberhold's.
The world famous firm of Herberhold's, Utrecht, Holland, which has been manufacturing all types of dry batteries for over 30 years, has established a branch factory in Melbourne. This factory, which is thoroughly up to date in layout, lightning, etc, is now in operation, and all classes of dry batteries are being manufactured under the same patented processes and formulae as are used in the European factory. Production is under the care of Herr Henze, the chief chemist from the head factory in Utrecht, who has been sent out to Australia to ensure that the same high quality batteries are made here that made the overseas firm so famous. Tests taken with Australian-made Impex batteries show that hese are equal to any dry battery, ever imported, and being made in this country they come to the user absolutely fresh and with assured long life. Impex batteries are manufactured under German patents and by the secret processes which have made Herberhold's batteries famous throughout the world for their quality and lasting powers. No injurious acids are used in their manufacture, and all chemicals are tested by the research laboratory at Utrecht before being shipped to Australia. All types of Impex dry batteries are manufactured, including types for radio, torches, pocket lamps, telephones, electric hair combs, medical apparatus, ignition batteries for oil engines, cars, etc., and special batteries of any size or shape will be made to order. A guarantee is given with every battery against faulty workmanship or materials.

Bron: The West Australian 19 april 1932
(via Trove Australië)
De (gedeeltelijke) tekst uit een artikel van de 'The Advertiser' :

BATTERY FACTORY FOR AUSTRALIA
Following the recent visit of the representative of the Dutch firm of Herberholds battery manufacturers, Utrecht, Holland, arrangements have been completed for the establishment of a factory In Australia for the manufacture of all classes of dry batteries for radio, bell and torch use. Herberholds's factory In Utrecht is one of the largest and most up to-date in Europe, and during the last few years large quantities of batteries have been exported to Australia. Owing to the recent tariff impositions, these exports hare ceased, and at the request of local dealers Herberhold's have decided to begin manufacturing the Commonwealth. All Australian capital will be used, and as far as possible all raw material will be of Australian origin. The proposed factory will be located In Melbourne, and will be equipped with the latest automatic machinery, the most modern methods of battery manufacture being employed. Herberhold's are sending to Australia their lead chemist and other experts, who will train local operatives. It is estimated that from 90 to 100 people will be employed at the commencement.

Bron : The Advertiser 1 oktober 1930
(via Trove, Australië)

Bron : The Argus (via Trove Australië)
Toon grotere versie

Bron : The Argus (via Trove Australië)
Toon grotere versie

Bron : The Argus (via Trove Australië)
Toon grotere versie

Bron : The Argus (17 augustus 1934)
Toon grotere versie

Bron : The Argus (14 september 1934)
Toon grotere versie

Bron : The West Australian (29 september 1934)
Toon grotere versie
De tekst uit het artikel van The Argus :
COMPANY NEWS

IMPEX LIMITED

New Issue of 25,000 ponds

Impex Ltd, a company manufacturing batteries and general electrical goods, is raising £25,000 of new capital by an issue of 15,000 £1 ordinary, and 10,000 7 per cent cumulative preference shares of £1 each, participating to 10 per cent Nominal capital will be raised from £18,670 to £100,000.
The company, whose factory is in Hoddle street, Abbotsford, was formed in 1931 as a proprietary, and was converted into a public company about 18 months ago. Business was begun with five employees. The organisation grew rapidly, and at present approxlmately 120 hands are employed.
Approximately £13,000 of the new capital will be used for the purchase of additional machinery to permit of a further expansion In the business. Many orders have been turned down by the company in the past because of lack of funds, and the managing director (Mr W.P. Winter) said last night that there was at present a considerable number of orders in hand. The company manufacures its own cardboard boxes, and conducts its own printing plant. It is intended to considerably enlarge this side of the operations, to enable outside work to be taken in.
An important contract has been entered into for the supply of manganese from New Zealand. Manganese Is used extensively in the manufacture of batteries, and the main supply hitherto has been from oversea. This contract will ensure a continuous supply for some years to come, at prices which compare more than favourably with oversea prices.
Directors of the new company will be Mr W.P. Winter, managing director and chairman, Mrs W.F. Winter (provisional) and Mr O.E. Griffiths. Another director will be appointed. The secretary Is Mr N.P. Womcrsley, and the auditors, Messrs. Spry, Fookes and Co.
The new shares are payable 5 on application, 5 on allotment and the balance in calls of 2/6 at intervals of not less than one month.

Bron : The Argus 8 september 1937
(via Trove, Australië)
De tekst uit het artikel van The Argus :
IMPEX DIVIDEND

Impex Ltd , a company manufacturing batteries and general electrical goods has declared a dividend of 7 per cent on preference shares payable on december 23.
The formation of the public company took place nearly two years ago, and last september £25,000 of new capital was raised.

Bron : The Argus 16 december 1937
(via Trove, Australië)
De tekst uit een artikel van de 'The Argus' :

IMPEX RECONSTRUCTION

It was decided at a meeting of share holders of Impex Limited on Saturday, at which the chairman (Mr. W. F. Winter) presided, to voluntarily wind up the company with a view to reconstruction.
It was stated that total assets amounted to more than £20,000 and liabilities to £7,333. Preference capital issued amounts to £4,000, of which £4,100 is paid up. It is proposed that when reconstruction is completed the company will concentrate on the manufacture of dry batteries.

Bron : The Argus 23 januari 1939
(via Trove, Australië)
De tekst uit een artikel van de 'The Argus' :

IMPEX LTD. (IN LIQ.)

The statement of affairs as at January 21 presented to a meeting of creditors of Impex Ltd. (in liquidation) yesterday by the liquidator (Mr. F. T. Gray) showed that the book value of assets totalled £21,178. Unsecured creditors were £3,784, secured creditors (Commercial Bank of Australia by mortgage debenture) £3,018, and preferential creditors £930.
Mr. Gray said that it was practically impossible to estimate at present the realisable value of the assets. Creditors, however, should not expect payment in full.

Bron : The Argus 8 februari 1939
(via Trove, Australië)