Crane Foundry

The Ipswich factory became known as the Crane Foundry and at one point employed over 700 people until In 2008 as part of restructuring the decision was made to sell the land and buildings and transfer all operations to China.

In its run up to closure the majority of Ipswichs operations had been transferred to its other U.K. sites and abroad. The work force had also dropped to a staggering 210 employees.

The foundry finally closed sometime in 2008. Another sad tale in the history of British manufacturing and its once thriving foundaries.

The first thing that strikes you about the Crane foundry is its gianormous size, it covers acres and acres. Its inside is just as striking as well and retains some stunning artifacts and fixtures.

Its hard to know where to start really? The foundrys themselves albeit a bit bare still look impressive, concrete plinths were machinery once sat is still in situ as well as some cool steel work frames.

The huge stainless steel wash basins that still sit proudly in the toilets are a sight on their own but the real focal point has to be the old offices that litter the entire site.

Some contain archive brochures, patents, valves, testing equipment from as far back as the 1920s right upto present day. Blueprints, valves, machine parts, the list goes on and on and on!

It really is an amazing site in everyway. Its huge size alone is worth seeing but its the things still in situ that really make this site awesome. Its also its downfall as well! As is the case in most large scale industrial sites its fell victim to thieves. Namely copper thieves who have made a right mess of the place.

Its still a stunning site though in everyway and probably the best derelict foundry still left standing in the U.K.