Robert Kerr & Sons

MESSRS. ROBERT KERR & SONS, Auchengree Foundry and Engine Works, Glengarnock, Ayrshire. Telegraphs Address:—“Kerrs”, Glengarnock.

    The wonderful development of the cabinet-making industry in the valley of the Garnock is intimately connected with the history of the business now controlled by the above firm. The rise of the Auchengree Works and their rapid progress is, in fact, co-temporary with the rise and progress of cabinet manufacturing established in Beith by Messrs. Matthew and John Pollock about 1857. Since that date the development of the industry has been phenomenal, thanks mainly to the splendid wood-working machinery placed at its service by the Messrs. Kerr.

    The family is an old one, has been settled in the locality for centuries, and has been associated with mechanical industry for generations. Mr. Andrew Kerr, the grandfather of the present proprietors of the Auchengree Works, carried on business as a general joiner and wood-turner in a small mill driven by a water-wheel in Sidehouse Glen near Auchengree. Nearly seventy years ago he removed to Auchengree, afterwards introduced steam power in the shape of a beam-engine, and brought up his son Robert to the business. The next event was the starting of the present industry by the latter, which, from small beginnings, has grown steadily to its present important dimensions. For over thirty years the firm have catered for the cabinet-making trade, and have supplied to both home and foreign firms that splendid mechanical equipment which has at once regenerated the trade and revolutionized it. Beith has especially profited, and now is one of the famous centres of manufacture with a world-wide reputation. Mr. Robert Kerr died some years ago, and the business is at present conducted by his sons — Messrs. Andrew, Robert, and William Kerr — and his nephew’s son — Mr. John Kerr.

    Before mentioning the special productions of the firm, let us glance briefly at the premises, following the routine of the manufacture. The first point of interest, then, is the pattern shop, where the patterns for the various machines are made ; and from this we pass to the foundry (70ft. by 30ft.), where the casting is done. The appliances here are of the usual kind, and include two powerful cranes of ten and seven tons. To the back of the foundry is a large shed appropriated to light and simple castings. Near by is the blacksmith's shop, a neat and well-arranged department fitted with two fires blown by fans. In the smithy are also the appliances for brass founding. The engineering shop, about the same size as the foundry, consists of two storeys and an attic. The ground floor contains the heavier machinery for planing, turning, and fitting ; the second, the smaller turning lathes, boring machinery, and vices ; and the third is used for storing patterns of the various specialities of the firm. Next come the engine and boiler house, between the engineer shop and the office, and a neat gas-work, where gas of the finest illuminating power is made from crude paraffin oil. In addition, the premises include ample storage and yard accommodation. It will be evident, then, that both as regards space and equipment the Auchengree Works have excellent facilities for the effective exploitation of the industry.

    The visitor to these works will have an opportunity of seeing the special wood-working machinery of the firm undergoing the several processes of its manufacture. The first requisite of the cabinet-making business is the sawing plant ; and the Messrs. Kerr have made quite a reputation in this line. First of all come their horizontal German board sawing machines, which are especially useful for cutting logs and trees of valuable wood into planks or boards. They are fitted with a long carriage moving on rails, and on this the timber travels to the saw, which works horizontally at a high speed. The contrast between these powerful appliances and the equipment of the old saw-pit marks the progress that has taken place in this class of machinery. Then come their circular saw benches of all kinds up to the largest, plain, or with rising and falling spindle, including special types for jointing and mitring, swing circular saws for cross-cutting, and band saws of every diameter of band wheel up to four feet.

    Planing and moulding appliances as made by the Messrs. Kerr are no less interesting. The ordinary forms are, we dare say, familiar to our readers, but some special types for cabinet work we may notice. Thus the Messrs. Kerr make a “Patent Wood Circular Planing Machine”, designed for circular work, such as the top rails of a chair, which turns out one top rail per minute, with a finish it would be vain to attempt by hand. Another is a “Panel Planing or Thicknessing Machine”, working the thinnest panels to a surface as smooth as glass. Moulding machines, too, have received special attention, whether for plain or irregular work. The firm also manufacture all kinds of tenoning, mortising, and turning appliances, and boring machines so extensively employed now in preparing “dowelled” furniture. All the other equipments of the workshop, such as cramping frames (including those for veneering), steam heating pans, steam chests for heating glue, steam boilers for rendering glue, &c., are provided in all sizes. The patent automatic carver, invented by Mr. John Pollock of the Victoria Works, Beith, may suitably close the list, and of this ingenious “iron hand” the firm are sole makers. All these productions are celebrated for their efficiency, and are of the finest design and workmanship. The Messrs. Kerr are also known as first-class makers of steam-engines.

    The reputation of the house has gradually extended to all parts of the United Kingdom, and, indeed, far beyond its limits, and its business is of commensurate extent. Their special reputation with British cabinet makers is something to be proud of, not to speak of the important part they have played in building up the industry in Beith. In conjunction with its cabinet and chair manufacturers they have carried the name of that prosperous town and the pleasant valley of the Garnock to all quarters of the globe, and added a new and brilliant chapter to the history of British industry.

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