British shadow factories

British shadow factories resulted from the Shadow Scheme, a British government plan devised in 1935 during the buildup to World War II. It sought to expand aircraft manufacturing by transferring technology from the motor industry and adding production capacity. The factories were staffed by skilled motor-industry workers alongside their civilian operations. The project was led by Herbert Austin and developed by the Air Ministry.

Scheme devised

1935

Project head

Herbert Austin

Purpose

Expand aircraft manufacturing capacity