A typical example of a man who started at the bottom and worked his way up is Robert Franks. He began in August, 1934, as a shorthand typist in the buying department. Within three months he was made order clerk and in March of the next year he was put in charge of the sundries stock.
This stockroom, with its thousands of different types and kinds of materials, was methodically handled by Mr Franks.
In 1936, he was awarded a special premium for having the most orderly and well-kept stockroom.
Mr Franks made another move the next year when he was transferred to buyer and stock-keeper for the catering section and was later made buyer of textiles. Capable management of all these jobs was soon rewarded when he had his biggest and most recent promotion to the responsible position of buyer of the rubber and accessories for the factory.
During all this time, Mr Franks found time to take an active part in the sports and social sections and played regularly for the "A" football team last season. Also he is secretary of the Bata Recreation Club.

From Bata Record dated 28th July 1939.

Two popular fellow-workers were married at Mucking Church on Saturday, July 22nd, by the vicar, The Rev. J. Watson.
They were Mr Robert Franks, buyer from department 161, son of Mr and Mrs O Franks of 18 Whitehall Road, Little Thurrock, and Miss Gladys Waters, forewoman of the sewing section of the leather sample department, daughter of Mr and Mrs S Waters of "Tamlyn, Oxford Road, Stanford.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a two piece costume and carried a bouquet of carnations. The best man was Mr J Garon, friend of the bridegroom.
About twenty friends and relations attended the reception that was held at Coates Cafe, Stanford-le-Hope.
The happy couple left for a honeymoon on the South Coast and, on their return, will take up residence at 12 King George VI Avenue on the estate.
Mr and Mrs Franks wish to thank Mr V E Schmidt for his congratulatory telegram and fellow-workers for the gift of a silver tea-service and Bata Community for the teak fruit bowl and nut-crackers.