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Title: |
1902 machine shop and 1859 Dumfries/Crombie Foundry |
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Source: |
"Picturesque and Industrial Galt", 1902. |
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Insert Date: |
3/12/2003 9:30:21 PM |
Here is the complete article text:
"The company whose title appears above have the most extensive manufacturing plant and the largest premises in Galt, and therefore, are entitled to the first place in any chronicles of the industrial life of the town. The Goldie & McCulloch Company, manufacturers of engines and boilers, safes and vaults, milling machinery and wood-working machinery of various kinds, scarcely need lines of type to give the people of Galt an idea of the magnitude of their operations and their standing among the leading manufacturers of Canada. The great plant that is located on West Main, Forbes, Glebe and Malcolm streets has a history unique in these days, in the Capital, in its creation, has taken a second place to Ability and Industry.
"When the late John Goldie and Hugh McCulloch in 1859 purchased from the late James Crombie the concern known as the Dumfries Foundry they had little "capital", beyond those qualities that contribute to men's success in life. They buckled to work and we may rest assured felt that no small task had been assumed even though their pay roll showed the names of only twenty-two men. Some heavy contracts taken in the opening years of their partnership resulted in adding to their prestige and financial strength, and steadily the evolution of the business went on. The firm were quick to anticipate the wants of prospective buyers in their lines and soon it became known throughout Canada that Goldie & McCulloch could be trusted to fulfil to the letter every contract awarded them. The shops were filled with expert mechanics and accuracy in production was made the key of the system employed to build up the industry. The partners never lost their grip on the business; they worked together as smoothly as the parts of one of their most perfect machines and success came to them in the natural course of events. First a general foundry business was done, but gradually the energies of the proprietors were centered on the manufacture of boilers, engines, flour and saw mill machinery and wood working machinery. About twenty-three years ago [1879] the firm also entered on the construction of fire and burglar-proof safes and vaults, which branch achieved instantaneous success, making a position for itself from which no rival has since been able to oust it.
"The rapid development of their trade led in 1891 to the formation of a Joint Stock Company and the sons of the proprietors became member of the same. In 1896 Mr. Goldie died, his place being taken by his son, Mr. Alex. R. Goldie, who had studied the practical and mechanical part of the business. Shortly after Mr. R. O. McCulloch became Secretary-Treasurer. Everything runs like clockwork in the big shops. No contract in their line is too huge for the Goldie & McCulloch Company, and it is this reputation which brings to them orders from the largest business firms in the Dominion.
"The lines produced include, in addition to engines, boilers, safes and vaults, wood working and flour mill machinery, pulleys, shafting, clutches, etc., and about 450 hands are employed in the business, but for which Galt would have been a very insignificant place at this time of writing.
"The officers of the Company are: Hugh McCulloch, Sr., President; Hugh McCulloch, Jr., Vice-President; R. O. McCulloch, Secretary-Treas.; A. R. Goldie, Manager." |
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