Lees, Anderson & Co.

Messrs. Lees, Anderson & Co., Millwrights, Engineers and Boilermakers, Clyde Street, Anderston.—

    It is particularly interesting in reviewing historically the industries of this district, to meet with an establishment of such old standing and extensive connections as that of Messrs. Lees, Anderson & Co., millwrights, engineers, and boilermakers, of Clyde Street, Anderston, and to accord to this eminent firm that special prominence in these reviews which its influential position in the trade so justly demands.

    Reverting for a moment to the early history of the firm, we find that the business was established over fifty years ago by John Barr, Esq., who was succeeded, about 1850, by Messrs. Lees, Anderson & Co., who carried it on in partnership up to 1884 and on the lamented death of Mr. Lees, Mr. James Anderson became the sole proprietor. Mr. Lees, it is worthy of mention, was a gentleman well known and highly esteemed for his earnest endeavours to promote the best interests of the industries and commerce of this district.

    The works cover upwards of an acre of ground, having a frontage of fully two hundred feet, the whole being covered with buildings in which the various operations are carried out, and comprise workshops, fitting and turning rooms, warehouse, and stores, also a spacious suite of well-appointed offices and counting-house, draughtsmen’s offices and private rooms, and all the accessories of an extensive and thoroughly-organised establishment. The machinery is of very ingenious and powerful construction, and of the most improved and modem description, comprising several powerful travelling cranes, boring, punching, turning and riveting machines, &c., and many special appliances, the invention or adaptation of the firm.

    Some idea of the extent of the operations conducted by this firm may be gathered from the fact that upwards of three hundred workmen are constantly employed, in addition to a large and efficient staff of clerks, travellers and assistants. Every branch of engineering, millwrights’ and boilermaking work is extensively carried on, a leading speciality being the manufacture of marine engines, for which they have a very high reputation ; also several patent machines, such as the force draught for marine and other boilers, and machinery used for the ventilation of steamers and all kinds of buildings.

    The firm have a very extensive and high-class connection, which is well founded upon the eminent reputation they have so long enjoyed, being one of the oldest established firms in the trade ; and the magnitude of their industrial operations, as well as the importance of the mercantile transactions of this extensive establishment, exercise a very beneficial influence on the commercial prosperity of this important branch of industry.

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