Charles S. Whitelaw

Charles S. Whitelaw, Cooper, Vat and Tun Builder, Hoop and Stave merchant, 100, Commerce Street.—

    In the manufacture of all the products of an extensive cooper’s business, the firm of Mr. Charles S. Whitelaw holds a distinguished place. This firm was established forty years ago by Mr. McKinlay, who succeeded in building up a substantial trade, in the carrying on of which he was succeeded by Mr. Charles S. Whitelaw, the present proprietor, about ten years ago. Mr. Whitelaw acquired a practical knowledge of the business with Mr. Noble, cooper, Irvine, of which town Mr. Whitelaw is a native, and also with Mr. J.W. MacGregor, Glasgow. For some years he was with Messrs. John Stewart & Sons, and also acted as manager for them, and there are few men in the trade who have had such a thorough and varied experience.

    The premises in Commerce Street consist of large yard, coopers’ shops of commodious dimensions, with the usual buildings for the steaming and firing of casks. In the yard is stored a large quantity of staves and hoops, in which there is conducted a large wholesale trade. The principal business connections are with distillers and brewers, from whom large orders are received, this house having long been known as one of the first in the trade for the supply of their requirements. General cooperage work is also widely engaged in, all manner of casks, kegs, barrels, buckets, tubs, and other requisites being turned out in large quantities. The firm have a wide reputation for the manufacture of spirit casks especially, also brewers’ casks, West Indian casks, and all kinds of paint, ship, and country work. Three years ago he introduced steam-power, and has now in full operation circular saws, band saws, planing machines, and turning lathes. About forty hands are employed.

    Mr. Whitelaw is a practical man, and carries on this business under his own personal supervision, being ably assisted by his manager, Mr. Walter Scobbie. Casks and every description of cooper work are sent to all parts of the United Kingdom. This business is conducted with great energy, and the house has a high standing in the trade.

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