Lipa and Isostat were manufacturers of electronic switches for the TV, Radio, Domestic Appliances and Professional Audio markets. It was a subsidiary of a French company with head office in Paris and an assembly plant at Cucq just outside Le Touquet. Components were shipped in from Le Touquet airport to Southend Airport – hence the reason why the British outlet was located in the Industrial Estate on Robert Way. Lipa & Isostat was efficiently run, headed by a charismatic MD John Castle , employing a large number of female assemblers who were brought in daily by coaches from nearby Basildon . The company was the largest supplier of electronic switches to the industries mentioned above with only limited competition from another French company ITT and a Japanese importer. However, it all came to an end when the parent company sold out to ITT (who also manufactured a range of electronic switches) resulting in a merger and this ultimately bringing about the demise of the Wickford operation . The building was solely occupied by Lipa and Isostat with the offices on the 1st floor, and the ground floor given over to an assembly line. Revisiting Robert Way many years later I noticed that the building had been split into two separate areas.
By Brian Hill-Samuel (27/07/2022)
Not sure if it’s the same building I worked in in the late 60s. It was a dressmakers called Rayners, and next door on the right was Lipa and Isostats. Don’t know if spelling is a accurate!
By Kathleen (31/10/2020)
I would guess the year is 1976 based on the brown grass.
By Martin Connor (17/01/2018)
I think the photo is of Units 7 & 8, Robert Way, Wickford, SS11 8DD, currently occupied by Designer Bedrooms and Acclaim Contracts.
By Andy Burrell (03/01/2017)
I believe this is Lancaster House in Robert Way, on the Shotgate Industrial Estate.
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Lipa and Isostat were manufacturers of electronic switches for the TV, Radio, Domestic Appliances and Professional Audio markets. It was a subsidiary of a French company with head office in Paris and an assembly plant at Cucq just outside Le Touquet. Components were shipped in from Le Touquet airport to Southend Airport – hence the reason why the British outlet was located in the Industrial Estate on Robert Way. Lipa & Isostat was efficiently run, headed by a charismatic MD John Castle , employing a large number of female assemblers who were brought in daily by coaches from nearby Basildon . The company was the largest supplier of electronic switches to the industries mentioned above with only limited competition from another French company ITT and a Japanese importer. However, it all came to an end when the parent company sold out to ITT (who also manufactured a range of electronic switches) resulting in a merger and this ultimately bringing about the demise of the Wickford operation . The building was solely occupied by Lipa and Isostat with the offices on the 1st floor, and the ground floor given over to an assembly line. Revisiting Robert Way many years later I noticed that the building had been split into two separate areas.
Not sure if it’s the same building I worked in in the late 60s. It was a dressmakers called Rayners, and next door on the right was Lipa and Isostats. Don’t know if spelling is a accurate!
I would guess the year is 1976 based on the brown grass.
I think the photo is of Units 7 & 8, Robert Way, Wickford, SS11 8DD, currently occupied by Designer Bedrooms and Acclaim Contracts.
I believe this is Lancaster House in Robert Way, on the Shotgate Industrial Estate.
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