A GROUP of former battery factory workers is planning a reunion, two decades after the closure of Redditch’s Alcad plant in Union Street.

Former production manager Roy Starkey said there had been a very enthusiastic response to the idea, with more than 50 former employees already contacted and interested in getting together.

Alcad was a highly successful international exporter with sales in more than 80 countries, and chalked up some notable achievements during its 75 year history, including a £2 million contract for batteries supplied to the Russian Railways; a major project to supply the Bay Area Rapid Transit System in San Francisco; the major supplier of batteries to the former British Rail; and to Trinity House for lighthouses and navigation buoys.

The factory was affectionately known as ‘The Batteries’, among Redditch people, and at its peak employed around 700 people.

Sadly, in 1992, after an illustrious history as an important employer, manufacturer and exporter, the company, was closed down and the production of Alcad products moved to a Swedish factory based in Oskarashamn, ending 75 years of nickel-cadmium battery manufacturing in Redditch.

The site was eventually cleared, decontaminated and sold for redevelopment in 1996, and now houses a B&Q superstore, Matalan, and a housing development.

Anyone who worked at Alcad should get in touch with Roy Starkey by emailing alcad20@gmail.com or by calling 01527 874101.

The reunion is scheduled for noon on Saturday, March 23. More details will be available from Mr Starkey for former employees who contact him about the reunion.