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Jack Olding & Co

Dealer plate on a Caterpillar machine

Jack Olding & Co, Ltd of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England was a company founded by Jack Olding, which specialised in the import and modification of tanks and tractors during the Second World War (notably being the sole importer into the UK of Caterpillars). The company had started as a dealer in prestige cars such as Rolls Royce, opening a showroom in central London.

He later had new premises built in the Art Deco style on the A1 just to the north of Hatfield, at a site that became known as Oldings Island. (now demolished) The firm held dealership franchises for several brands of car as well being the sole UK importer for Caterpillar machinery.

After the war, partly because of government pressure caused by a shortage of dollars, he made an ultimately unsuccessful gamble by relinquishing the Caterpillar agency for what proved to be the less successful Vickers VR tractor (Vigor). Indeed, the company is recognised as the only Caterpillar dealer to voluntarily give up the franchise.

On his death control of the company passed to Scottish Land Development.[1] Scottish Land having earlier bought a large stake in the company.

Jack Olding's full name was Henry John Douglas Olding.[2]When he retired he invested in horse racing and bought a stud farm to breed and train race horses.

See also[]

References[]

  1. Maurice H. Sanders, Earth and Tree Moving in War and Peace: 60 golden years, Volume I, Cortney Publications, Ashwell (1999).
  2. http://www.hatfield-herts.co.uk/features/olding.html


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