SITTING COMFORTABLY?

Newton Commercial has been producing automotive interior trim products for the last 40 years, though the history behind this family-run firm goes back much further. Paul Knight finds out more...

- Paul Knight

Newton Commercial is well known throughout the classic car scene for making some of the very best automotive interior trim kits available for an ever-growing range of vehicles. Currently employing around 60 staff, the Suffolk-based outfit combines the latest machinery and technology with traditional skilled machinists and experienced coach trimmers to produce a range of unique hand-finished products. Carpet kits, seat covers, formed mats, door cards, sun visors and even a range of complete seats trimmed to your individual specifications – there really isn’t much that these guys can’t do to help restore your vehicle interior.

However, before we dive into a guided tour, let’s take a trip back in time to find out how and why the Newton family business began…

The apprentice While the business opened its doors 40 years ago, Richard Newton’s introduction to the automotive industry dates back to 1962 when he was enlisted as an apprentice at the Morris Motors factory in Cowley. Each year just a dozen candidates were enrolled on a five-year apprenticeship course, hence this was a quite an achievement for an enthusiastic 16-year-old. Every few months Richard would move to a different department, which provided him with a wealth of experience regarding all aspects of vehicle production and assembly processes.

As a fan of motorsport, he enquired about the possibility of working at the Competitions Department, in Abingdon. In the space of a year, not only did he learn about the importance of proper engineering processes but he also met his future wife, Vera. Helping to develop and maintain the fleet of Mini Cooper S race and rally cars, he was in his element. However, the fun and games were shortlived as a company shake up resulted in the closure of the department and, consequently, Richard was moved back to Cowley to complete his apprenticeship.