Cooper and Whittaker
of 74 & 76 Chapel Street, Ancoats, Manchester
1892 'Although established not more than six years, the enterprise and ability with which its affairs have been directed have already brought the above establishment into the forefront of houses engaged in this branch of industrial activity. Year by year the business has increased in volume and value, and repeated enlargements of the premises have been necessitated to keep pace with the continually-growing demands. Operations are conducted in premises covering an area of 105 feet by 120 feet, and commodious offices, storerooms, moulding shops, foundry, furnaces, &c. The various departments have been arranged in the most convenient manner for the expeditious and successful control of the business. They are thoroughly equipped with apparatus, plant and machinery of the latest and best type, and motive power is supplied by a steam engine. An extensive trade is controlled by the firm as general iron-founders, special attention being paid to engineers’ and machinists’ castings, whilst great care is used in the mixtures of metals suitable for turning and boring purposes. The work emanating from this house is well known and highly appreciated in the trade and among local consumers of all classes; only skilled workpeople are employed, and every process of manufacture is carefully supervised by competent and responsible managers. ..... A force of about thirty skilled lands is constantly employed, and this is augmented considerably at busy seasons. The machinery and plant are kept in the most perfect state of efficiency, and a spirited and liberal policy is exercised in every department of the concern. Orders of any magnitude receive immediate attention, and estimates and sketches are promptly supplied, while all contracts placed in their hands are sure to be carried to completion in a perfectly satisfactory and honourable manner. Mr. F. S. Cooper, the senior partner, is a thorough master of every branch of the business, and his constant, personal attention is bestowed upon the concern. The house has achieved note for its manufacture of open and high-pressure kiers, tanks, steam-cased pans, steaming boxes, logwood stills, girders, and this class of work generally. ........'[1]