Robert Smith & Co.

ROBERT SMITH & Co., Globe, Stove, Grate, and Fender Works, 90, 92, and 92A, Commerce Street, Glasgow.

    An important factor in the material progress and development of this great commercial centre is to be found in the energetic enterprise which directs to a successful issue undertakings of the representative type conducted by Messrs. Robert Smith & Co., Stove, Grate, and Fender Manufacturers, to which we have pleasure in directing the attention of our readers. The business was established by the present head of the firm in 1875, and has since that date been extended to the important proportions it has now attained.

    The premises occupied by the firm are entitled the “Globe” works, and are centrally situated at 90, 92, and 92A, Commerce Street, having a frontage of 60 feet to that thoroughfare with first-class show windows, and possessing every facility for the display of the goods. The ground floor of the front building, which is four storeys in height, is utilised for the well-appointed offices and spacious show rooms, the latter displaying a large assortment of ranges, stoves, and heavy ironmongery goods. On the first floor may be inspected a splendid stock of fenders, fire-irons, tiled hearths, chandeliers, and gas-fittings in great variety ; and the second and third floors are fitted up for the arranging and stocking of their various manufactures, etc. The extensive works of the firm are situated in the rear of the establishment and are conveniently arranged for the operations of the business, including spacious smiths’ shop and foundry, grinding, polishing, and japanning shops on the ground floor ; and above, similar accommodation for the manufacture of all kinds of sheet iron goods. The works are fully equipped with steam-power machinery and appliances of modern construction, and a lift is provided for the conveyance of heavy goods and material from floor to floor, the whole arrangements of the establishment being conveniently adapted for facilitating the various processes of production.

    Amongst the leading specialities manufactured by the firm may be enumerated  the “Excelsior” open and close fire range, which “requires no building and can be set anywhere”, the “Globe” open and close range, and the “Clutha” portable cooking range, which also requires no building ; also parlour and kitchen fenders, of which several new registered designs have taken exceedingly well with buyers, and are having a large sale. A large number of skilled hands are employed in the works in addition to the regular staff of clerks and assistants retained in the sale departments, the entire business management being undertaken by the principal, whose persevering efforts are devoted to maintaining the efficiency and completeness of the working arrangements. An extensive wholesale connection has been established by the firm which includes the leading buyers of this class of goods in the West of Scotland, and orders are frequently received by the proprietors for their productions from all parts of the Kingdom and the Colonies.

    Mr. Smith is widely known and esteemed in commercial circles, and has by his sound business sagacity and honourable and straightforward methods attained for this ably conducted undertaking a well-merited and conspicuous position in the records of industrial and mercantile success.

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