William Young

WILLIAM YOUNG, Engineer, Engine Works, Ardrossan.

    Though the basin of the Clyde may be regarded as the great centre of the North British engineering industry, it must not be imagined that Scottish enterprise of this kind ceases in the neighbourhood of Glasgow. The flourishing seaport of Ardrossan may indeed be regarded as one of the main outlets of the colossal enterprise of the Western Metropolis, and, as such, its leading businesses may claim notice in these pages. Prominent among these is the engineering works of Mr. William Young, which have been established for upwards of a quarter of a century.

    The premises cover a large portion of ground, and afford every facility for conducting the business on a large scale, being in direct communication with the Glasgow and South-Western and Caledonian Railways by means of a siding running into the Works. The Works are fitted up with all the most approved appliances of the engineer for shaping, turning, and drilling metal, and is admirably adapted for carrying on a general engineering business.

    Passing over the general work of the firm, Mr. William Young is justly celebrated as a maker of steam and water valves and general water works’ appliances. Also salvage plant, which he has supplied to the principal salvage companies of Scotland. The design and efficiency of his productions for these purposes merit the most absolute commendation. We could easily cite evidence to this effect, did the space at our disposal admit of it ; suffice it to say that the severe tests which a quarter-of-a-century brings to bear on machinery of all descriptions, while they may have suggested many important improvements, have but resulted in establishing on a more solid basis the reputation of Mr. Young’s concern as a first-class centre of engineering enterprise. The place is, indeed, complete in all respects, and its various workshops offer the fullest facilities for exploiting all departments of the industry in the most perfect and efficient manner.

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