Frome Tires.
Page 6
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A Few Particulars of Messrs. Wallington, Weston and Company's Works and Productions.
The business which is conducted by Messrs. Wallington, Weston and Company, at St. John's Mills, Frame, was originally established, about the time of the introduction of india-rubber tires for carriages, by Mr. Alfred Wallingto:i
lnd Mr. Geo:ge Weso:t. Bob these gentl2men -Vero al re ady experienced in the production and manufacture of rubber, and the factory which they then established, with its small staff of e rn p loyees, was situated at Limpley Stoke, a few miles from Bath. The rubber tire rapidly gained in popularity for light, horse-drawn vehicles, and the increasing demand for these naturally led many other concerns to take up the manufacture of rubber tires. In spite of keen competition, Messrs. Wallington, Weston and Company always managed to secure a fair share of this business, and the small works which were originally established were kept busy night and day for a considerable period.
As business continued to increase, it was found necessary, about seven years ago, to establish new works, and, after due consideration, the present mills at Frome were erected. This modern factory is equipped with the latest and most improved machines, amongst which are graduated batteries of masticating and washing machines, mixing mills, heavy calendars, forcing machines for extruding special shapes of tires for wheels varying in section from that suitable for a rickshaw, up to the heavy sections suitable
for motorvans or lorries. Special-shaped moulds, presses
The "Pen-block" tire made by Messrs. Wallington, Weston and Company, of Frome.
and vulcanising pans, particularly suitable for the class of work turned out by this company, are also included in the installation. The whole of the heavy machinery is gear driven, and the main power is transmitted direct from a very fin.2 set of tandem Corliss engines, one of which is illustrated on this page. Separate engines are employed for the calendars, and for the electric lighting plant. The engine which we illustrate on this page is capable of developing 3ooh.p. Another of our illustrations shows one of the largest ranges of mixing mills which are to be found in this country. An idea of the power required to drive this battery of machines may be obtained from the fact that a six-inch, solid, mild-steel shaft is required safely to transmit the necessary power. Few manufacturers have indulged in less pubhcity than have Messrs. Wallington, Weston and Company, but, in spite of this fact, the St. John's Mills are fully occupied in meeting the demands for Frome tires. The two principals of this concern are still actively engaged in the business, but they are now assisted by a large and experienced staff. Messrs. Wallington, Weston and Company have, from time to time, established agents and depots both at home and abroad; none the less, they are always pleased to give personal attention to clients who communicate direct with headquarters. It should be mentioned, by the way, that, whilst the manufacture of carriage arid motor tires is, perhaps, the main feature of their business, they also have several other departments, which are devoted to the production of high-grade rubber " mechanical " goods. A large variety of sections of tires is made at these works, and all these are manufactured of specially tough and resilient rubber, and they are moulded with strong, calendared, canvas bases, in circular form. Many of the sizes are endless, but certain sections and diameters, which are not made endless, are fitted to the wheels in such a manner as to ensure absolute security. The " Pen-block "tire, which we illustrate herewith, is one of this company's productions, as also is the " Frome-Grip " tire. The latter pattern was,
• until recently, known as the " Frome-Clincher " tire.