Johnstone History Museum

Johnstone History Society • Scotland

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The Machine Tool Companies of Johnstone

Links to Machine Tool Companies

Johnstone's second industrial revolution was led by machine tool companies that made the town world famous for innovative manufacturing. Have we omitted any? Use the Contact form to help us complete this section.

Photo Galleries

Clifton & Baird Ltd 1908-2002

Empress Works Mary Street

Davie & Horne

J Fyfe Donald & Co

John Lang & Sons 1873 - 1961

Jessica Lang tells the story of John Lang and sons of Mary Street, makers of Light Machine Tools, Lathes and more.

John McDowall & Sons 1862

Foundry Walkinshaw Street

Loudon Brothers 1877-1974

John Lang Street

The Reid Gear Company

Linwood

Thomas Shanks & Co

Reminiscences and Commentaries

Proposal to impose road toll at Peockland in 1864: 23-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; A proposal by the Road Trustees to erect a toll bar at Peockland was met with fierce opposition from all quarters.
Johnstone's new water supply: 21-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; In 1869 clean drinking water is piped into Johnstone for the first time.
The Thorn Mill: 20-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; The Thorn Mill is destroyed by fire in 1879 costing £50,000 in damages and the loss of 300-400 jobs.
Johnstone Gas Works Extension 1891: 16-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; Official opening of new gas holder in 1891
Johnstone Public School: 14-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; Johnstone Public School opens in 1895
Peockland Engine Works: 08-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; A brief history of the Peockland Engine Works.
Loudon Brothers: 01-Jun-2025; By Eddie McRorie; Loudon Brothers machines are in demand worldwide
The Globe Gas Engine Company: 01-Oct-2023; By Eddie McRorie
John Lang & Sons May 1960 -- Wickman Lang March 1973: 02-May-2019; By John Steel; John Steel's Story of his career with Wickman Lang
Remembrance of Wickman Lang: 08-Sep-2017; By Eddie McRorie; This is the story of my work as a time served engineering fitter at Wickman Lang ,Mary Street, Johnstone from 1971 till 1979 when the factory was closed.

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