Family Of Former Pritchett And Gold Worker Appeals For Witnesses Re Exposure To Asbestos

Gordon Walton, who lived in Rainham, was exposed to asbestos whilst working at Pritchett & Gold’s factory at Dagenham Dock, Essex, from the late 1950’s until 1992. The company later became part of the Chloride Group and was at one time known as Chloride Automotive Batteries Ltd.

Pritchett & Gold used asbestos in the manufacture of their batteries including battery casings. The asbestos material was mixed with pitch inside large drums on the premises then poured into moulds and dried in ovens.

Gordon was exposed to asbestos when handling the battery casings containing asbestos and recalled seeing asbestos dust in the air from when the battery casings were cut, though he did not know at the time that it was asbestos he was being exposed to.

Sadly, Gordon, who developed Asbestosis, passed away in late 2025 and his daughter Yassmene, is now appealing for assistance from anyone who knows about the process of manufacturing batteries and the use of asbestos within Pritchett and Gold.

Isobel Lovett, Partner and Head of the Asbestos and Workplace Illness team at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors said:

“Sadly, Gordon passed away before he could provide a great deal of information about his exposure to asbestos. We would like to hear from anyone who worked at the same workplace as Gordon. It could help his family achieve justice for the suffering he endured through no fault of his own. Unfortunately historic asbestos is still affecting people like Gordon who found themselves affected by serious ill-health due to simply doing their job. In cases like this, witnesses are crucial in the search for justice. We hope that someone reading this will come forward to help. Any information you provide with be dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

If you or a family member is able to assist, please email Isobel directly at ilovett@hja.net or call her on 0330 822 3451.