John Purden

JOHN PURDEN, Lambhill Forge, Maryhill, Glasgow.

    The remarkable development of the steel and iron industries in this great centre of activity gives special importance to the branch of production represented by Mr. John Purden, proprietor of the Lambhill Forge, Maryhill, who supplies the material for this brief descriptive notice. The business is of old-established standing, having been founded about fifteen years ago by the present sole proprietor, who has, during that period, greatly extended the scope of the undertaking and developed the resources of the establishment to the successful proportions it has since attained.

    The works at Maryhill are situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal about three miles from Glasgow and in convenient proximity to the railway, affording every facility for the transport of materials and goods. The premises occupy a total area of about an acre and a half, on which are erected the necessary buildings for the purposes of the trade. These comprise spacious forge, machine shop, smithy and stores, together with suitable offices, providing ample accommodation for the various departments and furnished throughout with modern and improved plant and machinery, including powerful steam hammers for facilitating the heavier processes of forging iron and steel.

    The chief productions of the establishment include every description of marine forgings in demand by the shipbuilders and engineers on the Clyde and other parts of the district, and which are also consigned to Liverpool and other centres of the shipping trade in the country. The leading specialite of the firm embraces the finishing of built cranks, a branch of the trade in which Mr. Purden excels and for which the improved appliances at his command give him exceptional advantages in the execution of orders for this class of work. An efficient staff of from 60 to 80 forgemen, skilled mechanics, smiths, etc., is employed in the several departments of the works, which at all times present an animated scene of industrial activity.

    The business is admirably conducted under the active personal supervision of the principal, who is ably assisted in the duties of management by his son, and, under the influences of these gentlemen’s thoroughly practical ability and energetic administration, the establishment has gained a well-won position in the leading firms engaged in this important department of commercial enterprise.

Back to Index of Firms (1891)