This firm, too, have extensive additions on hand. At present they have two factories in Glassbrook-road – the main building, and further up the street the clickers’ and closers’ department, with eight cottages between the two buildings. A large piece of land at the rear of the factories and cottages has been purchased, and plans have been prepared for erecting a large room, 330 feet in length, on the “American” (one-floor) system, with north lights in the roof. These plans have been before the Urban Council and referred back for slight alterations. It is expected that at the next meeting of the Council the plans will be finally passed, and then tenders will be invited. The work may possibly be done in two or three sections, or it may be done all at once.
The present output is over 5,000 pairs of boots a week, and when the enlargements are completed the capacity will be about 10,000 pairs a week. Over 300 hands are employed at present, inside and out, and the additions to the premises will mean an extra 100 hands for a start. It is hoped to turn out 7,000 or 8,000 pairs directly the extensions are completed.
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James Hyde c1902 - courtesy of Clive Wood
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