Arthur Matthews, at the age of 23, began working at East Tilbury when the factory first opened. For almost a year he was in Department 401, cutting soles for men's and women's shoes. In 1934 Mr Matthews was promoted to foreman, which position he kept until July 1937, when he was promoted chief manipulator of the Leather factory. It was his job to control and check all material (both for bottoms and uppers), all needles and sundries, before they were issued to the departments.
At the end of 1938 he had his latest and important promotion - that of floor manager of the Bottom Manipulation departments. He now controls the clicking of soles, counters, inner soles; the preparation and finishing of bottom materials; cutting wooden heels; covering and varnishing; and the making of leather heels.