J. and B. Stevenson
J. & B. STEVENSON, Cranstonhill and Plantation Bakeries, Glasgow ; and Battersea Bakeries, London S.W.
That magnificent spirit of enterprise in the industrial arena, which in these days of busy progress has contributed so manifestly to the national advancement, is in no single department of trade more thoroughly exemplified than in that of the bread baker, and the pre-eminent name among the colossal firms that have added distinction to an invaluable business must be mentioned the world renowned establishments conducted both in London and Glasgow under the style of Messrs. J. and B. Stevenson. In respect of size, organisation and magnitude of operation, this great house stands unrivalled, not only in the United Kingdom, but throughout the world. They, and such houses are theirs, have done much to revolutionize the art and business of bread-making, and have effectively tutored the British public to understand that the staff of life, when manufactured on a large scale, and by processes which absolutely forbid the application of manual contamination, is a preferable article of daily consumption to that which is mysteriously evolved in the dim dungeon-like bakery of most small retail establishments.
Messrs. J. and B. Stevenson laid the nucleus of their vast enterprise in the year 1865, their first efforts demanding only the occupation of a small factory and the employment of five modest ovens. From causes not difficult to appreciate, the firm progressed by leaps and bounds, each succeeding month showing results surpassing, in a marvellous ratio of increase, those obtained in its immediately preceding period. At the present time the firm controls gigantic establishments - one situate at Cranstonhill on the north, the other at Plantation, on the opposite side of the river. Each of these bakeries is seven storeys in height, and, from the very foundation stone, the entire fabrics have been erected, under the close supervision of the firm, in order to secure the most perfect results in the subsequent operations of bread-making.
The lower floors of the two establishments are devoted to
the baking proper. Each bakehouse contains nine to fifteen ovens of the ordinary
Scotch type, these ovens being mostly in pairs (that is to say two ovens thrown
in one), and in addition to these there are two large revolving ovens. Each
bakehouse is independent of the other, and is under the careful supervision of
an efficient foreman personally responsible for the conduct of a large staff of
bakers, and possessing the entire control of the fermentation department
attached to the particular bakehouse in his charge. The storage
accommodation of the entire establishment is most complete, many hundreds of
tons of flour being at all times kept in stock to meet the exigencies of the
firm's magnificent trade. We have it on the best authority that the united
capacity of these two concerns is fully 100,000 half-quartern loaves per diem -
a vast output truly, and one calculated to embarrass the resources of the
largest bakeries extant ; but in the capable hands of Messrs. J. and B.
Stevenson, is reduced to simplicity itself by reason of perfect organisation,
close superintendence, and the employment of a large and thoroughly efficient
staff of bakers. The magnitude of the firm's trading operations will best be
comprehended when we say that, in the distribution of the bread manufactured by
Messrs. J. and B. Stevenson, no fewer than 50 or 60 large vans are in daily use,
about 70 horses, and an immense staff of assistants, bakers and other employees.
Messrs. J. and B. Stevenson, encouraged by the great success which has attended their efforts in Glasgow, opened in Battersea, London, S.W., another great bakery, which would appear from the enlargements which have taken place to be not less successful as a commercial enterprise than the earlier establishments already briefly reviewed. London depots are established at 20, Edgware Road, W.; 256, Oxford Street, W.; 153, Fenchurch Street, E.C. ; 64, King William Street, E.C. ; 33, Old Broad Street, E.C. ; 234, Upper Street, Islington, N. ; 500, Brixton Road, S.W.; Park Road, Battersea ; Moorgate Street ; Eastcheap ; Billiter Street ; Piccadilly, etc., etc., the bakery telephone being No. 9017, while the telegraphic address is Sweetbread, London.
The Metropolitan branch of the firms business has been, since its commencement, under the personal control of Mr. Andrew Ritchie, Mr. Boyd Stevenson and Mr. John Stevenson retaining the management of the Scotch bakeries. Throughout the vast range and scope of the firms operations, it will be seen that an eminent success has been achieved, and the house has won and maintained a reputation which renders any advertisement of its merits superfluous. The business is directed with admirable energy, enterprise, and judgment, and Messrs. J. and B. Stevenson are to be congratulated on having secured the full confidence and favour of a connection perfectly consistent in value and influence with the almost cosmopolitan fame to which their eminent house has attained.
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