The factory of John MacDonald & Co, pneumatic tool makers, in Shawbridge Street, Pollokshaws, 1956. This is one of a series of photographs taken by Glasgow Corporation's Architectural and Planning Department prior to the wholesale redevelopment of Pollokshaws in the 1960s.
John MacDonald & Co was established in 1895 to manufacture water turbines, which were tested in the River Cart. Manufacture of machine tools including drills, grinders and breakers, began in 1909 under an agreement with an American company, the Cleveland Pneumatic Tool Co. During the Second World War, the firm designed a drop tester for aircraft undercarriages. Other new tools were developed after the war, with 30 per cent of output going for export worldwide.
Planning permission for expansion was refused by Glasgow Corporation, as it would have conflicted with their redevelopment plans. After appealing unsuccessfully at a public enquiry, the firm moved to East Kilbride, where it continues to trade as Macdonald Air Tools.
Reference: Glasgow City Archives, AP9/7/23/47
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Archives
Keywords:
Architectural and Planning Department, Cleveland Pneumatic Tool Co, exports, factories, John MacDonald & Co, Macdonald Air Tools, machine tool makers, pneumatic tool manufacturers, water turbines
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