Herbert Austin blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: HERBERT AUSTIN Herbert Austin was born on 8th November 1866. He always had a passion for cars and successfully managed the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company in Birmingham. Under his direction Wolseley cars won international renown. In 1905 he decided that it was time to start his own company, buying the former White and Pike factory site for £7,750, so motor manufacturing began at Longbridge. During the First World War the company expanded to over 20,000 employees - producing a diverse range of materials, including 2,000 fighter aircraft. In 1917, recognising the Austin Motors contribution to the war effort, Herbert Austin was knighted. He was elected MP in 1918 for King's Norton, Birmingham, and office he held for six years. In the 1936 Honours List Sir Herbert Austin was created a Baron and elevated to the peerage. He took the title of Lord Austin of Longbridge. Lord Austin died on 23rd May, 1941 and is buried in Lickey Parish Church, Rose Hill, Lickey. Recorded plaque organisation: Longbridge Birmingham.