Ladies’ shoemaker still going after 81 years of production in the city

The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The company was founded by Adelman Goodman and initially started making in shoes in London.

But in 1936, Mr Adelman and his two sons, Lionel and David, moved their business to Norwich.

Prior to the Second World War, Norwich was already an important centre for shoe manufacture.

And at its peak, the city's shoe industry employed more than 12,000 people and sold more than seven million pairs around the world every year.

Tools at The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Former companies in the city include Norvic, Bally and Start-rite.

But while other manufacturers have struggled to survive, Van Dal, owned by The Florida Group, has managed to keep going.

Part of its success could be down to the niche products it produces from its factory on Dibden Road.

Since 1946 it has specialised in manufacturing high-quality wider fitting shoes.

Hard at work in the Val Dal Shoe factory. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

And despite a reduction in the number of workers at its factory, the company still produces around 500,000 pairs of shoes each year.

More than 100 people are also still engaged with the business in East Anglia alone.

Is your business marking a significant milestone? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684

Maurice Killett gluing the uppers. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Gluing the uppers. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Lasts for various styles of shoes. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Maurice Killett nailing the heels. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Peter Bennett, factory manager at work. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Cutting shoes at the Val Dal Shoe Factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Pairs of shoes are laid out ready for the next stage. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Cherry London 'socking' the shoe. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Tools at The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Cherry London 'socking' the shoe. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Peter Bennett, factory manager. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

'Socking' the shoe. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Maurice Killett gluing the uppers. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Mark Cannell attaching the sole. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Machinery at The Van Dal shoe factory. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Boxing the shoes. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Van Dal shoe factory in Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Factory manager - Peter Bennett. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The Van Dal shoe factory. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Cherry London taking the boxed shoes to the warehouse. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)