Hodder and Bullock
of Broughton Bridge Iron Works, 1 St Simon's Stret, Salford
1892 'Although this firm was established so lately as 1888, it has at its head two gentlemen of wide experience and rare mechanical skill, whose research has given to the world an invention which is bound to make the names of Hodder and Bullock famous. This useful invention is Hodder and Swain’s Patent Coir Yarn Mat Loom, the first machine of its kind that has been made. The great advantage given by this machine is that it saves the labour of twenty hands. It has eighteen different motions, and works with marvellous perfection. Far-seeing and enterprising men from all parts have offered immense sums of money for the right of using the invention, but the owners are refusing every one, as they intend keeping the right exclusively to themselves. A very large sum is expected for the patent right on the Continent, also for America and other parts. Messrs. Hodder & Bullock have spent a great deal of study and money in perfecting and making their patent, but their reward is sure, and the return is bound to be great. The business is at present chiefly confined to the home trade, but the spirited proprietors are expecting to open out a trade with the Continent and other parts of the world very shortly. They are also makers of wire machinery cables, twisting wire-for wire cloth, machines for wire netting, mat binding machines, &c., &c. The works are of two floors, and are fitted with steam power and an expensive plant of machinery. The whole place bears evidence of skilful management, everything moving like clockwork. Between twenty and thirty selected workmen are employed. The respected proprietors are on the high road to prosperity. They are bound to succeed, and richly do they deserve all the honour which will be bestowed on them.'[1]