Minimax Corner Traditional Cache

A quick and easy cache and dash, (although parking may be difficult) but with some interesting history

Minimax was a British manufacturer of fire extinguishers founded in England in 1903. Their unique conical fire extinguisher was known as 'The Minimax'.

Minimax Limited opened their first office in England in London in 1903 with one salesman. In 1905 they won the 'highest award' for extinguishers in a US exhibition. In 1907 Minimax were suppliers to the King for protection of his motor car, to Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

In 1911 a new factory was built here, where you are standing, 'Minimax Corner', which became a famous landmark. Soon 1,000 extinguishers a month were being produced and exported to such places as the Siberian railway. During the first World War 200 extinguishers aday were being manufactured. Between the wars, many new developments were introduced, including CO₂ extinguishers and colliery protection with remote-controlled extinguishers became a speciality. 

Minimax was purchased by the Pyrene Company in 1955 which itself was taken over in 1967. 

The factory was closed and demolished in the 1980s, but the factory's Art Deco gateway was saved and now stands as public art overlooking 'Minimax Corner'.

A nearby road is also called Minimax Close.