BOMB DAMAGE TO FACTORIES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23718, 17 August 1942, Page 6

BOMB DAMAGE TO FACTORIES

DELAY IN PRODUCTION AVOIDED

NEW METHOD OF LAYOUT LONDON, March 25. A new method of factory layout which has reduced output delays from bomb damage by as much as 50 per cent, has been evolved by British scientists and engineers. Called the “production lattice,” factories engaged on similar work are not dispersed all over the country but are grouped close enough together to provide swift intercommunication. If there are. say, four processes in each factory, the bombing of No. 1 process in one works means that Nos. 2. 3, and 4 processes there can still be supplied from another factory; while if a No. 2 process is put out of action the No. 1 output can go through No. 2 process elsewhere and return to its own No. 3 and 4 - , . , To stop output completely the enemy must put out of action the same process in each factory, and the mathematical odds against this are immense. In fact, because of these odds, the more accurate the bombing the greater the relative advantage of the “lattice,'’ or criss-cross of proauction lines. Under the dispersal system factories are badly placed to assist each other and whenever one process is put out of action the whole output of the factory stops until this has been remedied. With the “lattice” principle, however, practical examples have shown that in severe attacks up to one-half the output rate for a given section of industry may be saved.