User:Hemiunu-sees/Clayton & Goodfellow Engineering

Clayton & Goodfellow Engineering Ltd Clayton & Goodfellow Co was an engineering company formed in 1857 on the back of the industrial revolution in Blackburn, Lancashire, England and was finally disolved in 1996. In the course of the 139 years of its existence the company bridged the gap between early industrial revolution technology and electrical motor based heavy engineering products.

'History'

Clayton & Goodfellow Ltd, a privately owned limited company was founded by the partners Jacob Goodfellow engineer, and William Clayton financier. Goodfellow had invented a special piston for steam engines, which he wished to manufacture.

They bought a plot of land in Park Rd near the centre of Blackburn, Lnacashire where the factory remained for the next 118 years. The location was chosen for its proximity to the heart of Lancashire cotton industry, which they were to serve profitably for many years to come.

'Products'

The manufacture of the pistons and other related parts, upwards of 10,000 being made, led firstly to the production of entire steam engines along with the enormous cast iron flywheels, up to 30ft in diameter, and necessary drive shafting, to the equipping of complete mills. The labour force built up to 300 during this time (provide dates) and remained so for the rest of the firms existence, though there were troughs from time to time when trade was bad. The steam engines which were the mainstay of the output in those days were the Cross Compound Condensing engine, which came in two models, the horizontal for stationary work , and the Vertical for marine applications. The Uniflow was introduced rather too late as the market for steam was dwindling. A Triple Expansion engine was also being developed which would allow the user to bleed off steam for other uses. The companies steam engines were used for steel rolling mills, winding engines for collieries and for powering Lord Ashtons Linoleum factory in Lancaster.

'Steam Presses'

'Evolution Away from Steam related products' However two huge clouds were on the horizon in those days, which were to signal the beginning of the end of the steam engine. The first was the introduction of electric motors, which could be used to drive individual machines or a small group of them. More flexible and in the end much cheaper. The second was, of course the removal of the cotton trade from Lancashire to India and countries east.

'Management'

In due course the original partners retired and among the succeeding partners was John Harrison, the nephew of Jacob Goodfellow, and who was the first of 4 generations of Harrisons who became Partners/directors of the company until its sale to Wm Brandts Sons & Co Ltd in 1969.

External links

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