A NEW INDUSTRY.

Evening Star, Issue 7471, 15 March 1888, Page 4

A NEW INDUSTRY.

Within the past few months a new industry has arisen in our midst, and from a very small beginning promises to grow into a prosperous concern. Five months ago the Heathcote Wire-nail Company, under the management of Mr Alfred Robb, commenced the manufacture of wirenails with two English made machines, p,nd a four horse-power engine. With these they turn out and get a ready market for 30owt of nails a week. The increased demand requiring greater machine power, an order for three new machines has been entrusted to Messrs Scott Bros., of Christchurch, who supply them at about the same cost as the English machines, plus carriage and other expenses, but with an improvement which has been invented by Mr Robb. The process of the manufacture appears to be very simple. The bright iron wire coils are worked from reels, and before the end passes into the machine it is tempered and straightened by passing through five small wheels (Mr Robb’s invention). This makes them less liable to bend than is the case with imported nails. The gauge being set to the required size, the wire is cut and headed. The nails are then put into a large drum or churn ; and, being whisked round at great speed, are brightened by contact, and the rough points are taken off. The demand so far has been for nails from lin to 3in. The company have a contract with a local firm of ironmongers for a supply of two tons monthly for twelve months,— ‘ Press.’