Old Glove Factory

Was driving through Great Torrington and went past the site of the old glove factory - saw this plaque and wondered what it was - looks like some sort of press - but not sure what it would have been used for in the manufacture of gloves... It has been a miserable day weather wise - grey and wet!
Must be those April Showers here again! Had enough of them last year - shame they won't give us a rest!