Sandbach Memories: Former ERF director launches book on iconic truck company's history
A FORMER director at Sandbach's historic ERF truck company has written a book on the world-famous firm.
Dai Davies OBE, 71, joined the now defunct company as an apprentice in 1954 and went on to become managing director of the iconic firms's South Africa, Australia and New Zealand operations before retiring after 43 years' service.
Dai, who now lives near Johannesburg, South Africa, with his wife Wendy, has returned to the firm's hometown to launch his book ERF - The Inside Story at Sandbach Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday and 5.30-8pm on Wednesday next week.
He said: "I am delighted to be back in Sandbach as I still have many close friends here.
"I would be thrilled to meet anyone who used to work for the company or anyone who is just interested in learning more about the company's rich heritage."
Dai is well placed to discuss the firm's history having experienced both its highs and lows in the UK and abroad.
During the 1960s he was appointed the company's first service engineer which gave him his first opportunity to travel far and wide on the company's behalf.
He then returned to Cheshire as general service manager at the firm's Middlewich factory before being moved to head up the company's affairs overseas in 1975.
In 1993 he was awarded the OBE for services to the British commercial vehicle industry and exports.
ERF was founded in 1933 by former Foden company managing director Edwin Richard Foden. The final trucks rolled off the line in 2007.
ERF - The Inside Story is priced at ã25 and, as well as being available at the launch, is also on sale at Nantwich Bookshop in High Street, Nantwich.
The picture shows former director Dai Davies who has written ERF - The Inside Story.
Older/Newer
« Cheshire Memories: Wilfred Owen | Nantwich Memories: New book marks the 125th anniversary of Nantwich Town Football Club »
My feed
Do you remember Bob Walker from Carlisle who was M D at Eden commercials.
could anyone tell me how i can replace regardless of cost my prized ERF 60 years of success cup featuring the 1933 ERF and the 1993 launch of the EC series made by berkshire pottery. any information on where i can purchase one would be most gratefully recieved. 07759438121 aaron.rdmason@yahoo.com
Has anybody any information on a David Wylie who I think worked at Sandbach posisbly between the wars? He was a Scot - my grandmothers brother hence my great uncle. Except for his will and his masonic apron etc I do not have any other information on him at all.