Who established the Soho Foundry and when did it open?
Matthew Boulton and James Watt established the Soho Foundry in 1795 at Smethwick, West Midlands. The facility opened for business the following year to manufacture steam engines.
Questions about Soho Foundry
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What were the three main operating departments of the Soho Foundry?
The Foundry Department made cast iron parts while the Smithy Department crafted wrought iron components. The Fitting Department machined these parts and assembled them together.
When did William Edward Hipkins die during his tenure as manager?
William Edward Hipkins died at the sinking of the RMS Titanic while traveling as a first class passenger on the 8th of May 1912. He was 55 years old when he perished on that fateful voyage.
Where are the Pooley gates currently located after their restoration campaign?
They now stand in the pedestrian section of Paradise Street in Liverpool One close to the original site of the Sailors Home. Restoration work concluded before the gates were re-erected under the name The Sailors Home Gateway on the 8th of August 2011.
Which company acquired the Soho Foundry in 1895 and what do they make there today?
W & T Avery Ltd acquired the foundry as a going concern in 1895. Avery Weigh-Tronix now owns the site and manufactures weighing machines there today.