Thomas Nicol

MR. THOMAS NICOL, Quilt Manufacturer, 208, Govan Street, Glasgow.

    There are two ways of conducting a business : one is to continue on old-fashioned lines and ignore all suggestions as to scope for improvement ; the other is to devote one’s whole powers and energies to devising advantageous changes, and thereby revolutionize a trade previously carried on in a modest way. The one policy may procure a tolerable living ; the other, when enterprise is well considered and well directed, leads to high commercial success, and, probably, to fortune. Thus is exemplified the undoubted fact that in industrial or commercial, as in professional life, talent is bound to out-distance mediocrity.

    It is on such lines as those which are here commended that Mr. Thomas Nicol, Quilt Manufacturer, of 208, Govan Street, Glasgow, has consistently managed his business ; and what has been the result ? The result has been that, from comparatively small beginnings, he has, within the space of twenty years, attained a pre-eminent position in the trade ; owns a factory, specially built for his requirements, such as probably did not anywhere exist previously in connection with this particular business ; employs something like six hundred hands, though he utilises machinery to a remarkable extent in the processes of manufacture ; imports large quantities of materials directly from abroad, and has trade connections which extend all over the world, and has a branch warehouse in Manchester and London. This is a truly remarkable record of results achieved.

    A visit to Mr. Nicol’s factory will enhance the impression which the foregoing general observations are calculated to inspire. Originally Mr. Nicol carried on business at 53, Cochrane Street, and he also opened a factory in the Calton. As time went on, however, it became manifest that continued occupancy of those premises was impossible, having regard to the increased volume of trade, the consequent stimulus given to production, and the very much greater manufacturing facilities which had become essential. The premises at 208, Govan Street, were accordingly built, specially to meet Mr. Nicol’s requirements, and no expense was spared in adapting them thereto, When completed, the entire business was, about a year ago, removed thither.

     They comprise an imposing five-storied brick building, fire-proof throughout ; and behind this a range of six weaving sheds, which contain over two hundred wide power looms for weaving bed quilts, table covers, and curtains. These are constructed on the newest and most improved principles, and capable of weaving cloth up to 120 inches wide. Adjacent to this department is the engine and boiler house. Some idea of the mechanical capacity of the factory may be formed when it is stated that the compound engines, manufactured by Messrs. Roby & Co., of Lincoln, are of 500 horse power.

    In the weaving department a large number of females are employed at the looms weaving bed quilts, table covers, and curtains, in most artistic designs and of the most attractive colours. On the floor above, reached by an iron stairway, there is a spacious apartment about sixty feet in length, finely lighted by numerous windows. This is utilised as a packing and ware room ; here there are large side counters for packing purposes and for the display of goods. Not only is this apartment spacious and well lighted, as has been mentioned, but it is exceedingly ornate, the walls and ceiling being of stained wood, highly polished. Above this is another ware room where large stocks of goods are kept, including quilts of all kinds and varieties, notable amongst which are, of course, the famed Arctic or goose-down quilts. It is on this flat that the finely appointed offices are situated.

    Leaving this department, the purifying department is reached. This is isolated from the others by means of iron doors. It is here that the down used in the manufacture of down quilts, which have now become so popular, is purified. This is a somewhat complicated process, and one involving most careful manipulation. The down is received from Russia in its crude state in bags, and before it can be utilised for stuffing purposes it has to be subjected at different stages to the action of high pressed steam and hot air, in order that all impurities and germs of animal life-may be eliminated, and the down thoroughly dried. To these various stages different rooms are assigned.

    On the next flat the down, after its purification, is applied to the filling of quilts. Besides this department there is a series of others on the same flat. These include a large packing room, warehouse, cutting room, and store rooms. All are admirably arranged, and, although situated at a comparatively high altitude, this entails no inconvenience as regards raising or lowering of goods or materials, these being conveyed from and to the basement by means of a hoist.

    At the top of the building, and occupying its full extent, is a spacious apartment illumined with over lights. This is the machine room, and here a large number of females are employed to work various sewing machines of various sizes, used for making the down quilts. In the manufacture of these quilts various materials are used, for the most part fine sateens of handsome designs. The artistic beauty of the quilts made at this factory is widely noted, and, as the high excellence, heretofore attained, is not only being kept up but surpassed, Mr. Nicol’s already extensive trade is increasing in a remarkable degree. That trade ramifies to all parts of the United Kingdom, and to many foreign parts, especially Australia and Canada ; and to facilitate the receipt and execution of orders, travellers are employed by Mr. Nicol.

    The interesting establishment under notice is characterised by the perfection of order, the automatic regularity with which operations are conducted, and the admirable methods which have been adopted. Special mention should be made of the fact that the comfort and health of the employees receive exceptional consideration, and, for the attention he has devoted to this important matter, the utmost credit is due to Mr. Nicol ; such care as he exercises on behalf of his employees is, however, just what might be expected from a gentleman of his integrity and scrupulousness, qualities which have won for him the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, commercially or socially.

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