Level: Sub-series
Reference: HAT50/1/8
Alt Ref No.: Hatrecord
Extent: 2 folders
Brand: Accotile
Agency: J Walter Thompson (JWT), London
Advertiser / Client: Armstrong Cork Co Ltd
Admin History: The Armstrong Cork company was founded in the USA in 1862 by Thomas D. Armstrong to manufacture linoleum and by 1949 it was the largest manufacturer of linoleum in the world. By this date it was also in the business of manufacturing asphalt tile ('Accotile'), cork tiles, other products developed from linoleum, wall coverings and cork products. Armstrong first entered the British market in 1905 with a branch company but this was dissolved in 1908. Between 1908 and 1920, Armstrong products were sold in the British Isles through agents and distributors. In 1925 it was decided to form a company in England, focussing mainly on cork products. In 1938 it was decided to build a factory in England for the manufacture of Accotile but this project was postponed until after the Second World War. The factory was opened in 1948 and commenced production of Accotile.
JWT were appointed as agents to Armstrong Cork with effect from 1 October 1946.
In 1958, the Armstrong Cork Company created the "Armstrong Contracting and Supply Corporation". Armstrong Cork had carried out insulation contracting since the early 20th century, originally focusing on cork products. In 1969, this business was sold in a leveraged buyout to a group of existing and retired employees of the contracting company, which became Irex Corporation.