C. E. Austin and Brothers
of Marlborough Mill, Ardwick, Manchester.
1891 Directory: Listed as Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers. More details
1892 'THIS old-established and widely-known firm, dating its history back as far as the year 1865, holds a very prominent position among the representative industrial concerns of the Manchester district. The name of Messrs. Charles E. Austin & Brother is well and favourably known throughout the United Kingdom, on the Continent, and in the United States, in connection with the trade in cotton waste, engine waste, sponge cloths, lamp wicks, and other textiles of a kindred nature, and this firm’s headquarters (the Marlborough Mills at Manchester) form one of the principal sources of supply for the above-named commodities in England and abroad. The works in question are very extensive, and comprise a fine six-storey mill building of substantial construction, with three-storey warehouse, and a long range of weaving sheds adjoining, forming one immense block, bounded by four streets. The whole establishment presents an example of very complete industrial organisation, and is equipped with the most perfect machinery and appliances for the purposes of the manufacturing operations in which it is engaged. A very large staff is employed on the premises, and the general activity prevailing in all departments affords a striking indication of the magnitude of the business in its entirety.
'The sponge cloth department is a perfect model, and is the most interesting of the various departments, by reason of the beautiful machinery employed in it. The weaving shed in which this portion of the business is conducted is the largest and most compact in the sponge cloth trade, and is filled with the newest and most approved machinery. The looms, which are all driven by steam power (though some firms in this trade still stick to the old-fashioned hand looms), are very intricate, weave three cloths in a width, while adding the various coloured stripes, and finish off each border with fine weft to strengthen the edges of the cloths. These superior looms cost ton times as much as a hand loom or an ordinary calico loom. The winding machinery is equally intricate and ingenious. The machines for winding from the cop on to the bobbin, and those for winding from the bobbin on to the pirn, are all supplied with an automatic action, so that when a thread breaks, that portion of the machine stops until the winder has repaired the break when it starts again. The doubling machinery is also very extensive and perfect, as also is the warping machinery, as the firm make all their own warps and perform on their own premises all the processes connected with the manufacture of sponge cloths. This firm is fully alive to the vital importance of keeping abreast with the times. In this, as in all their other departments, only the latest and newest machinery is used. A short time ago they threw out a new pirn-winding machine, which had only been working a few months, and replaced it with a newer machine which came out, and which does the work better and cheaper. This bold and enterprising spirit has placed them at the very head of the sponge cloth trade.
'Perfect order and discipline prevail in every department of this immense concern. Precautions against fire meet one at every turn. Buckets filled with water, hand extincteurs, &c., are placed in every room. All shafting boxes are enclosed in sheet iron cases. In the event of fire, all the fireproof rooms simultaneously, or any one of them separately, can be filled with steam in a minute or two. A dozen of the men are trained as firemen and form one of the most efficient amateur fire brigades of the city. A few years ago this brigade put out a large fire in an adjoining street, and saved a large cotton mill. The fire was extinguished in ten minutes from the time the alarm was given, and two minutes before the arrival of the Manchester brigade.'[1]
Messrs. Austin conduct an immense trade in cotton waste and cotton, and manufacture vast quantities of sponge cloths, lamp wicks, and engine waste, which they supply to customers in all parts of the country. They fulfil many large and important contracts with Her Majesty’s Government and with leading railway companies at home and abroad; and their general connection is one of exceptional extent and influence, being well developed in all quarters of the United Kingdom and abroad. Mr. C. E. Austin is the sole surviving principal of this gigantic and thoroughly representative business, all the affairs of which receive his personal attention; and his administration of the entire concern is conspicuously marked by all the qualities of enterprise, practical ability, and sound judgment, which tend to the continuous promotion of its interests in the commercial world.