M. W. Robertson and Co.

MESSRS. M. W. ROBERTSON & CO., Avon Steel Works, Glenpark Street, Glasgow.

    Generally speaking, it may be said that the business carried on by Messrs. M. W. Robertson and Co., of the Avon Steel Works, Glasgow, is very similar in character to that carried on, by some of the most noted Sheffield firms. So far as Glasgow is concerned the Avon Steel Works may be regarded as almost unique, and they are more suggestive of South Yorkshire than of the iron industries of the Clyde. Originally the firm’s works were, for a time, at Linlithgow, but in 1869 the concern was centralised in Glasgow, which, of course, possesses advantages as a shipping, industrial, and distributive emporium. Messrs. Robertson and Co. in removing to a seaport may be said to have set an example for other firms, for there is a general tendency now-a-days to transfer works of a similar description to theirs from inland to shipping towns. Take for example Messrs. Charles Cammell and Co’s. Dronfield Works, which were removed to Workington, and the Dowlais Iron Works, the transference of which to Cardiff has been deemed expedient.

    The foresight of Messrs. Robertson and Co. was justified by the greater facilities and advantages they have since enjoyed in Glasgow, and their business has gradually expanded till now it occupies a foremost position. The works, which occupy an acre of ground, are well adapted to the various processes in operation and equipped with the best possible machinery, including large and small hammers, planing machines, drilling machines, etc. ; also several powerful steam hammers for drawing and forging steel ingots into steel bars, afterwards used in the manufacture of tools. Particular attention is devoted to the manufacture of shear blades, which are made by this firm of the very largest size produced, namely, 14 1/2 feet long. The success they have achieved in this branch of their trade has greatly enhanced their prosperity. In addition to this speciality and the other operations already referred to they make to pattern crucible and cast steel castings and forgings of every description.

    The general processes carried on, therefore, are important and interesting, and the firm have come to be recognised as one of the most noteworthy engaged in the steel trade. Their connections are extensive and are not confined to the United Kingdom, but ramify to the British Colonies and to India.

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