Alexander Stephen & Sons Ltd (shipbuilders and engineers: 1946-1968: Linthouse, Glasgow, Scotland)

The first Alexander Stephen began shipbuilding at Burghead on the Moray Firth, Scotland, in about 1750. In 1828 , the concern became known as Alexander Stephen & Sons . Alexander Stephen, the third generation of Stephens to own the business, built in Aberdeen and Arbroath, Angus, Scotland, and then moved the centre of his production to Dundee in 1842 . In 1850 one half of the business was transferred to the Clyde at Kelvinhaugh, Glasgow, Scotland. Then, in 1870 , the firm moved to its final home at Linthouse, Govan, Glasgow. Up to 1871 the firm had specialised in sailing vessels, but from this date they concentrated on cargo-passenger vessels. Alexander's two sons, Alexander Edward Stephen ( 1832-1899 ) and Frederic John Stephen ( 1863-1932 ), joined the firm in 1887 . A E Stephen and F J Stephen were assigned to different departments, maintaining life-long connections with, respectively, the engineering department and the shipbuilding department.

When Alexander (Snr) retired, his sons became controlling partners, their uncle, John Stephen, remaining chairman. F J Stephen ran the shipbuilding department, took over general administrative responsibilities and the role of salesman, negotiating orders for the company with shipowners. Due to his brother's uncertain health, F J Stephen became the most actively involved of the two brothers. Other partners in the firm were Robert McMaster, manager of the shipyard, Robert Kelly, manager in the engine works and Alexander Scott, the company secretary.

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