Watkins Brick Co.: Difference between revisions
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The '''Watkins Brick Co.''' was a shale brick manufacturer located on [[ | [[File:Watkins Brick plant.jpg|right|thumb|575px|1930 view of the Watkins Brick Co. plant]] | ||
The '''Watkins Brick Co.''' was a shale brick manufacturer located on [[Templeton Road]] (formerly Mulga Road) west of [[Ensley]] and adjoining [[Sherman Heights]]. The company was organized by [[Harry Watkins|Harry]] and [[Arthur Watkins]] in [[1925]]. Manufacturing was overseen by vice-president [[O. S. Adams]] who designed the company's plant, which went into operation in December [[1928]]. | |||
The Watkins Brick plant was located directly next to its shale quarry or pit. The plant's production capacity, initially limited by its kilns, was 2,500,000 bricks per month during its first year of operation. A conversion to gas fueled kilns expanded capacity in [[1931]]. The company's shale bricks were marketed worldwide for their acid and chemical resistance and were generally used in industrial plants, particularly for the petroleum industry. The company also manufactured face brick and pavers for the local market. | The Watkins Brick plant was located directly next to its shale quarry or pit. The plant's production capacity, initially limited by its kilns, was 2,500,000 bricks per month during its first year of operation. A conversion to gas fueled kilns expanded capacity in [[1931]]. The company's shale bricks were marketed worldwide for their acid and chemical resistance and were generally used in industrial plants, particularly for the petroleum industry. The company also manufactured face brick and pavers for the local market. | ||
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* "[https://cdm16044.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4017coll8/id/37661 Watkins Brick Company]" (January 25, 1930) ''[[The Dixie Manufacturer]]''. Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 66 | * "[https://cdm16044.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4017coll8/id/37661 Watkins Brick Company]" (January 25, 1930) ''[[The Dixie Manufacturer]]''. Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 66 | ||
* "[https://cdm16044.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4017coll2/id/10363 Bricks From Ensley Firm Go All Around The World]" (May 31, 1957) {{BPH}} | * "[https://cdm16044.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4017coll2/id/10363 Bricks From Ensley Firm Go All Around The World]" (May 31, 1957) {{BPH}} | ||
==External links== | |||
{{Locate | lat=33.52409 | lon=-86.91367 | zoom=16 | type=h}} | |||
[[Category:Former manufacturers]] | [[Category:Former manufacturers]] | ||
[[Category:Birmingham products]] | [[Category:Birmingham products]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Templeton Road]] | ||
[[Category:1925 establishments]] | [[Category:1925 establishments]] | ||
[[Category:1929 buildings]] | [[Category:1929 buildings]] | ||
[[Category:1986 disestablishments]] | [[Category:1986 disestablishments]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:49, 24 February 2021
The Watkins Brick Co. was a shale brick manufacturer located on Templeton Road (formerly Mulga Road) west of Ensley and adjoining Sherman Heights. The company was organized by Harry and Arthur Watkins in 1925. Manufacturing was overseen by vice-president O. S. Adams who designed the company's plant, which went into operation in December 1928.
The Watkins Brick plant was located directly next to its shale quarry or pit. The plant's production capacity, initially limited by its kilns, was 2,500,000 bricks per month during its first year of operation. A conversion to gas fueled kilns expanded capacity in 1931. The company's shale bricks were marketed worldwide for their acid and chemical resistance and were generally used in industrial plants, particularly for the petroleum industry. The company also manufactured face brick and pavers for the local market.
By 1957 the Watkins Brick Co. employed more than 70 workers and had increased production to 56,000 bricks per day. D. H. Shirley was then supervising the plant as general manager.
The company was dissolved in 1986.
References
- "Watkins Brick Company" (January 25, 1930) The Dixie Manufacturer. Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 66
- "Bricks From Ensley Firm Go All Around The World" (May 31, 1957) Birmingham Post-Herald