Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation, and is sometimes described as part of the Black Country. Walsall is the administrative headquarters of the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall. In the 2001 census, the town had a population of 170,994 with the surrounding borough having a population of 253,500. Neighbouring towns in the borough include Willenhall, Bloxwich and Aldridge. Walsall has had many industries, from coal mining to metal working including Willenhalls locks, but in the late 19th century the coal mines ran dry, and Walsall became internationally famous for the leather trade. Walsall still manufactures the Queen's handbags, and Walsall leather products have been found as far afield as Italy. Walsall is the traditional home of the English saddle manufacture industry, hence the nickname of Walsall Football Club, The Saddlers. Apart from leather goods, other industries in Walsall include iron and brass founding, limestone quarrying, small hardware, plastics, electronics, chemicals, and aircraft parts. Walsall has always been overshadowed by its larger neighbours Birmingham and Wolverhampton. However its proximity in Central England and the fact that the M6 runs through the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall has increased its investment appeal. A RAC centre is located by J9 and there are now plans to redevelop derelict land in Darlaston and turn them into a state-of-the-art regional hub. Between Bloxwich and Walsall there is a business corridor where TK Maxx has recently opened a regional depot. Currently established businesses include Homeserve plc and South Staffordshire Water. More on Walsall