Vulcan Motor Works, Crossens, near Southport

SOUTHPORT - New motor works at Crossens, near Southport, are being erected for the Vulcan Motor Manufacturing and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd. It is immediately adjacent to Crossens Station, on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway line. The main front faces the main highway, and is set back 30 feet. The centre portion is taken up with the offices, this portion also being two stories high. On the ground floor is the main entrance, which leads into a hall and corridors. On one side of the hall is placed the timekeeper's office. Entered from the corridor are the works manager's office, drawing office, foreman's office, and the usual lavatory accommodation. On the first floor, which is reached by a wide staircase, is the men's dining-room, also a small room for printing drawings, etc. The works, which are one story in height, and finished with a weaving shed type of roof, are placed behind and on each side of offices, and are supervised from the latter by means of glazed screens. The works are 175 feet long by 170 feet wide, which at present will be divided into machine shop and erecting shop: it is hoped, however, when business increases to use the whole of this area as a machine shop, and build further additions to be used as the erecting shops. At the westerly end of machine shop is placed an engine room, separated from the former by glazed screens. Immediately adjoining the engine room is the gas producer plant house, wherein the gas is made to drive the engine. A smithy, 80 feet by 39 feet is also provided, as also a brass foundry 46ft. by 63ft. The constructional portion of the works is of steel. the tie beams to principals having been made extra strong to carry shafting. One side of the roof (facing north) is formed with "Heywood's" patent glazing, the other side being slated. The underside of spars is covered with " Uralite." This, being a non-conductor of heat, will keep the works warm in winter and cool in summer; it also makes the roofs fireproof. The hydrants will be provided inside the works in convenient positions. The whole of the walls are of brick, the front portion, facing road, being faced with pressed bricks. The floor of works is of concrete, finished smooth, the portion used as a machine shop being boarded on top of the concrete. The entrance hall and corridors are tiled with red tiles. The dressings are of red terra-cotta from J C Edwards's Works, Ruabon. The contractors for the steelwork and patent glazing are Messrs Edward Wood and Co, Ltd. Manchester, the general contractors being Messrs William Townson and Sons, Ltd., Bolton. The whole of the work is being carried out from plans prepared by, and under the supervision of, Messrs Prescott and Bold, architects. Wigan. Mr James Holding is acting as clerk of works. [Building News 1 March 1907 page 305-6]