Charles Ball MC, DSO, working for F. A. Hughes, recognises the emerging potential of a new metal, magnesium, and contracts with the German company,  I. G. Farben, part of Griesham Elektron®, who had pioneered the electrolytic process that allowed magnesium to be produced in commercial volumes, to become the sole importer into the UK. F. A. Hughes rapidly built up a demand of 1,500 tonnes in the UK, which included castings for aircraft, commercial vehicles and buses.