Wales & Edwards

Wales & Edwards was a manufacturer of milk floats based in Harlescott, Shrewsbury. They were particularly well known for their three wheelers. It was one of the oldest milk float manufacturers lasting from the early 1940s to the early 1990s. In 1989, the company was acquired by Smith Electric Vehicles. Major customers included United Dairies (later known as Unigate) and in the early years, Express Dairies. The basic design evolved throughout W&E's existence before finally ending its days as the Rangemaster.

Following changes in legislation which allowed milk to be sold by supermarkets and garages at lower prices than the home delivery dairies could charge, sales of milk floats plummetted. Wales & Edwards saw a drop in orders of 70 per cent in a single year. Attempts to find other markets for the vehicles failed, and in 1989 the company was sold to Smith Electric Vehicles, who were based in Gateshead.

Subject ID: 13311

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Wales & Edwards was a manufacturer of milk floats based in Harlescott, Shrewsbury. They were particularly well known for their three wheelers. It was one of the oldest milk float manufacturers lasting from the early 1940s to the early 1990s. In 1989, the company was acquired by Smith Electric Vehicles. Major customers included United Dairies (later known as Unigate) and in the early years, Express Dairies. The basic design evolved throughout W&E's existence before finally ending its days as the Rangemaster.

Following changes in legislation which allowed milk to be sold by supermarkets and garages at lower prices than the home delivery dairies could charge, sales of milk floats plummetted. Wales & Edwards saw a drop in orders of 70 per cent in a single year. Attempts to find other markets for the vehicles failed, and in 1989 the company was sold to Smith Electric Vehicles, who were based in Gateshead.

Subject ID: 13311

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