Jackie the Champ opens new Dunlop factory.

World Champion racing driver Jackie Stewart took on a new role in Rochdale this week. He pressed a button to start up a new £1 million plant at Dunlop textiles factory in Castleton. This marked the beginning of a new era in the development of the company's traditional business - tyre cord manufacture. The 30 year old champ received a great reception, Stewart has won eleven Grand Prix races on Dunlop tyres. The new plant is the most modern in Europe and puts the company in the forefront of it's competitors. After the opening ceremony Mr Stewart was taken on a conducted tour of the plant before flying back to his home in Switzerland. Rochdale Observer 11th April 1970