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In 1868, Archibald Fulton Craig started in business as a manufacturer of cropping machines at the Caledonia Engine Works, Paisley. Two years later he was joined in the business by his uncle, James and the company became known as A F Craig & Co. From then, until James retired in 1875, the concentrated on improving the cropping machine. In 1880, Archibald's brother, Robert F Craig, who was also an engineer, joined him as a partner and acted as works manager.
By 1900 the cropping machines were being used by textile firms in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium. Other textile machinery was being produced including thread-polishers; spool-making, bleaching and dying machines; and carpet looms.
The development of the shale oil trade in Scotland opened up a new line of business for the firm which gained both experience and recognition for the erection of shale distillery and refining plant. Plants were erected in both France and Spain.
In 1894, following Robert's death, the buisness was incorporated as a limited company as AFCraig & Co Ltd. Between 1899 and 1914 a policy of modernisation of plant and machinery was pursued. In 1930, the company amalgamated with H W Aitken & Co. Ltd, sugar machinery manufacturers, Paisley, and then, in the 1950s an association was formed with D Crabtree & Son Ltd, textle machinery manufacturers, Sheffield, which led to the creation of Craig-Crabtree (Contracts) Ltd in 1968. In 1982 AF Craig & Co Ltd went into receivership but part of the company was acquired by a management buy-out to trade as AF Craig (Ironfounders) Ltd. In 2002 the company no longer traded. [Text by Glasgow University Archive Services.] |