Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd

Sectors:

  • Transport equipment production Marine engines & other marine equipment production
  • Transport equipment production Shipbuilding & repairing exc small craft

Notes:

Traced origins to Randolph, Elder & Co, dating to 1835, which began to build marine engines in c1852 and to build ships in c1860 at Govan having in 1858 acquired Govan Old Shipyard. 1870 business reformed as John Elder & Co. 1886 incorporated as Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd. 1905 part owner of Coventry Ordnance Works Ltd. From 1919 part of Northumberland Shipbuilding Co Ltd, a vehicle of the Sperling Combine, and in 1935 acquired by Lithgow family. From 1924 had works at Chepstow, Wales. Built wide range of vessels but notably major warships and ocean liners. In receivership 1965. 1966 relaunched as Fairfields (Glasgow) Ltd with improved management and working practices in what was known as Fairfields Project, a government supported initiative also involving unions, management and private capital. 1968 became part of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd and later functioned at Govan Shipbuilders Ltd

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