The Stanton Ironworks stood across the junction of the Nutbrook and Erewash Canals (and still does under different ownership) and continued to use the bottom section for the transport of finished iron products. Boats were loaded just above the second lock, but the volume of goods leaving the works by boat gradually declined. This part of the canal saw an increase in traffic during the Second World War in support of war efforts, with the carriage of slag bound for West Drayton, which was used in the construction of airfields, and bomb cases from a new foundry at Stanton Gate, opened by the Ministry of Supply. Stanton Ironworks sold all of their boats in July 1947, and some traffic continued until March 1949, when the last boat used the canal. A total of 59,411 tons were carried along this short stretch between 1940 and final closure.