The following article was published by Eddie McRorie on 11th May 2025 on the Johnstone History Facebook page and is reproduced here with his kind permission.

Globe Gas Engine Co., Johnstone

Pollock, Whyte & Waddel; Globe Engineering Works, Johnstone, Renfrewshire. Gas & Oil Engine Makers.

The Globe Gas Engine Company appears to have been a successful, albeit short-lived, enterprise operating from 1895 to 1908. They had suitable engineering premises erected on Beith Road, adjacent to the Thorn Mill of Macleroy Neilson. The building later housed the fledgling Graham Bus Company, followed by Strathclyde Chemical Works.

On April 26th, 1895, a supper dance was held in the Johnstone Public Hall to mark the beginning of operations by Messrs. Pollock, Whyte, and Waddel’s engineering establishment.

The new works adjoined the Thorn Mill and occupied an acre of ground. The front portion of the building was utilized for essential offices and included a counting house, timekeeper’s office, private rooms, and necessary facilities such as storage, lavatories, and other accommodations.
Above the offices was the pattern shop, with direct access from the works. The buildings were designed for future expansion and had sufficient space to employ up to 200 men.

The architects were the local Johnstone firm Kerr & Watson (who also designed the Thorn Public School), and the slating and plaster work was completed by Provost Thomson’s firm, also of Johnstone.

In 1895, the company exhibited their new patent oil-gas engine at the Glasgow Cattle Show. A newspaper report at the time stated:

“This well-known firm of gas and oil engine makers has a stand of over 1,000 square feet, displaying several of their renowned machines, including the largest gas engine in the exhibition. They are now the largest manufacturers of gas and oil engines in Scotland. Also on display are engines driving a dynamo for electric lighting and others powering machine tools, including a newly launched combined key-seating and slotting machine.”

The company was a regular exhibitor at various trade and agricultural shows throughout Scotland. In 1905, they supplied gas engines and pumping machinery for the Fleetwood Sewerage Works in Lancashire.

In 1901, Alexander Waddel left the partnership for reasons unknown. According to the 1911 census, he was working as an accounts clerk and residing in Kilmacolm.

Notice of Dissolution:

“The firm of POLLOCK, WHYTE, & WADDEL, Engineers and Gas and Oil Engine Manufacturers, Globe Engineering Works, Johnstone, Renfrewshire, of which the subscribers were the sole partners, was, by mutual consent, dissolved on the 13th day of April 1901, due to the retirement of Alexander Waddel.
The subscribers George Pollock and Matthew Whyte will continue the business under the same firm name of POLLOCK, WHYTE, & WADDEL.”

After Waddel’s departure, George Pollock and Matthew Whyte continued operating the business. Both resided in large homes on Overton Road, with Matthew Whyte’s neighbor being Charles Forbes, the Chief Constable of Johnstone.

In 1905, George Pollock received permission to erect new engineering premises on Mary Street, Johnstone, for the manufacture of gas and oil engines. With Pollock launching his own venture, Matthew Whyte brought Mr. John Faulds on as a partner. Shortly thereafter, in 1906, The Globe Gas Engine Company Limited was incorporated with a capital of £30,000, to acquire and continue the works still known as Pollock, Whyte & Waddel, Globe Gas Engine Works, Johnstone.

The restructured company continued manufacturing until 1908, when it was forced into liquidation. The winding-up petition was filed by Peter McCarroll, a wine and spirit merchant from Glasgow.

1899

1902

1905

1896