Reunion for former Jones Balers workers
A reunion for workers at the Jones Balers company in Rhosesmor has been organised. The company grew from humble beginnings to be a worldwide exporter of machinery which could count the Queen among its customers!
Two brothers, Glynn and David Jones, first set up the business in their home village of Rhosesmor in 1926. Initially the business was set up to operate and repair farm machinery but it went on to design and manufacture farming equipment.
The company employed many local people including former lead mine workers from Rhosesmor. Its success meant that it outgrew its site in Rhosesmor and moved to a factory in Mold.
At one point the Jones Baler factory made the widest range in the world, winning many awards, including the Royal Gold Medal for the best baler in Britain in 1950. Their machinery was so well built some are still in use today.
In 1961 the company was sold to a US company, Allis Chalmers.
Most of the company's former employees, many of whom are now in their eighties and nineties, have moved away from the area. Noel Jones, the founders' grandson, is keen to see as many as possible attend the reunion which will be held at the Blue Bell pub in Halkyn on 6 September, at 7.30pm.