Ronson factory · Newport · 1961–1984
The Island factory that outperformed every Ronson plant
For almost 20 years, hundreds of Islanders, most of them women, built Ronson lighters on Forest Road in Newport. Five of them sat down with us to tell what life on the line was really like. We’ve got the audio of each interview, so you can hear it in their own words.
“If someone could give me a lighter now, with that valve in and my little fork and chimney, I could still do it.”
Pat Kennedy, Comet line
© Stanley Whittington
“None of us moaned about going to work.”
Sheree Ash, ancillary department, mid-1970s
The interviewees
Five women. Hours of memories.
Pat, Sue, Gillian, Sheree and Julie each sat down with us to talk about life at Ronson’s. Every full interview is here, with a transcript you can follow as you listen.
Start here
Straight from school
“Even though I was only 16, I could honestly say I felt like an adult.”
Valve to shell, 1977–81
Hairy moments
“We were patting her head down. Oh God, I’ll never forget that. ‘Oh Mary, your hair’s on fire!’”
Float girl and rectifier, 1970–c.1981
Fond memories
“I’ve only got fond memories. I can’t remember anything horrible in the whole time I was there.”
Ancillary department, mid-1970s
“It’s teamwork. You work in teams. You don’t work in silos.”
Julie Cocker, on what today’s children should know
Explore further
More ways into the Ronson story
For schools
KS2 Teachers’ Resource Pack
Lesson ideas built on real voices and photos from the factory. Free to download.
The history
History of Ronson IW
From the first production at Forest Side in 1961 to the closure of the factory.
Factory terminology
What was a “float girl”?
She knew every job on the line and covered for anyone away. Learn the words only Ronson workers used.
Partnerships
Reaching every Islander
The interviews on Sight for Wight’s Talking News, and Flame Keepers in all 11 Island libraries.
Worked in an Island factory?
We hope to record more of the Island’s working lives. Leave your details and we’ll be in touch if a future project goes ahead.