Latest news with #SinclairC5
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Huge Hoover factory that employed 5,000 people to be torn down
Huge Hoover factory that employed 5,000 people to be torn down It's reported that the demolition is to make way for more than 400 new homes on the historic site The Hoover factory closed in 2009 but was a major employer in the area (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) A major chapter in Merthyr Tydfil's industrial past is set to close as plans move forward to demolish the former Hoover factory. The BBC has reported that the sprawling post-war site, which for the past 16 years has served as a distribution hub, will be torn down to make way for more than 400 new homes. Civil engineering firm Walters Group is reportedly purchasing the land, subject to planning approval expected later this year, and intends to begin demolition in 2026. The loss of the factory signals more than the end of a building, as it may signal the end of an era for lots of people. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Employees at the Hoover factory on October 5, 1981 (Image: Mirrorpix ) At its peak in the 1970s, Hoover employed over 5,000 workers in Merthyr, producing washing machines and household appliances that became household staples across Britain. The American-owned company had first arrived in the late 1940s as part of a post-war drive to bring foreign investment to struggling British regions. Article continues below It also didn't just provide jobs as it also brought sporting facilities, social events, and multigenerational employment to the tight-knit town. The factory even dabbled in innovation as in 1985 it briefly assembled the Sinclair C5, a three-wheeled electric vehicle that became known for its commercial failure. In 1992, it again made headlines when their free flights promotion for people buying a product over £100 went wrong, leading to a costly legal battle due to the high demand it could not meet. Production at the factory ended in 2009 after the then-owners moved manufacturing to Turkey. In a statement shared with the BBC, Hoover has stated: "Our Merthyr Tydfil washing machine factory was more than just a production site. "It was a symbol of dedication, excellence and community, and we are grateful to everyone who was part of that achievement. We want to express our deepest thanks to every team member past and present, and to the broader Merthyr community. "You are, and always will be, a vital part of our history and identity. Your legacy is woven into every step forward we take, and your contributions will continue to inspire and define who we are. "We are committed to working closely with all affected employees and community leaders to provide support through this transition. "Thank you, Merthyr, for being an irreplaceable and unforgettable part of our journey." Article continues below
BBC News
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Littleport man finds Sinclair C5 on Facebook and drives it on the road
An unusual mode of transport has been turning heads after it was restored to its "former glory". Mark Robinson from Littleport in Cambridgeshire said he had spent the last few years restoring a tiny, electrically powered tricycle-like vehicle. The Sinclair C5 was invented by British entrepreneur Clive Sinclair in 1985 and has a pedal-assisted electric Robinson, 49, takes his restored vehicle onto the roads and said the invention had been "ahead of its time," and was called "cool by the youth of today". Mr Robinson bought the vehicle - affectionately named Clive - on Facebook Marketplace in 2021 before he revamped said the tyres were ruined, it was black and he had to 3D print the rear indicators due to price and availability for the model. "In 1985, in my opinion, the world wasn't quite ready for electric vehicles," Mr Robinson said. "They looked like nothing else that was out there, and people weren't quite aware of that sort of genre of vehicle."He added that Clive moved at about 14 mph and could travel about 12 miles on a decent charge. Mr Robinson said he had been impressed with its range and drivability, adding it also received lots of smiles, waves and "looks of bafflement" from younger generations. He remembered the first time he saw the invention at a Cambridge electrical shop in January 1985."It was a demonstrator, you couldn't drive it or anything like that, but you could sit in and have your photo taken, and that was my first time in one. "I was impressed, it was a fun thing to see." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Stuff.tv
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
These retro wireless headphones are hotter than Mr Motivator's lycra onesie
Unless you're wearing a shellsuit while watching a Betamax video of Roland Rat driving a Sinclair C5 to Woolworths to pick up a copy of No Jacket Required by Phil Collins, there are few things that look more '80s than these KM5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1. Originally crowdfunded in Japan last year, enough people wanted to look like Marty McFly that these retro headphones are now available to buy for £159/$189 – and they've had some important upgrades to make them fit for use in 2025 rather than 1985. For starters there's Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio support, so you don't need to worry about finding something with a 3.5mm port to plug them into, and even though they sit on your ears rather than fully covering them you get noise-cancelling with a transparency mode too. At 103g they're more than twice the weight of the original Sony Walkman headphones they mimic, but those didn't have a 120mAh battery attached on each side, plus they still make the new Sony WH-1000XM6 look like they're made out of lead. There are no wires to connect the two sides, so you need to charge both batteries independently. Fortunately there's a special split cable included in the box, and they should last up to 24 hours between charges, which is more than enough for the full discographies of both Phil Collins and Roland Rat. As well as those batteries, each earcup is also home to a 40mm driver and a set of controls. You can adjust the volume, skip through your tunes, and also summon your phone's voice assistant. The KM5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1 are available in two different colours, both with swappable magnetic ear cushions. The white ones come with gray and turquoise, while the black ones get black and dark red. Choose the pair that best matches your shellsuit.
