Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd (rope makers and textile manufacturers: 1888-1999: Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, Scotland)

The Gourock Ropeworks Co , rope makers and textile manufacturers, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, Scotland, created the wholly owned subsidiary Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd in 1888 to deal with the overseas trade. The first branch was opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1888 and in 1902 a branch in Sydney, Australia was opened.

The Buenos Aires branch traded chiefly in manila rope, cotton and flax sail cloth and Birkmyre's waterproof cloth. Until 1906 , when machinery was sent out from Britain and a small factory established, all covers and tents were hand sewn. Trade with shipping companies for awnings, ropes, hatch and cargo covers increased. The factory closed in 1918 and new purpose built works were erected in 1924 providing both a factory and a store. Supplies of manila ropes, which were imported from Port Glasgow, often were insufficient and it was decided in the 1930s to start production of ropes in Buenos Aires, a main buyer of which was the Argentine government. In 1940 a proofing department was installed to produce a lower quality waterproof canvas that would compete with the rivals that were coming onto the market. During the Second World War the materials needed to produce rope that were normally imported from Port Glasgow were no longer available and it was decided that hard fibre spinning plant be installed to allow the manufacturer of the yarn needed for rope. By 1954 the plant was running successfully. The company appears to have ceased trading in the 1960s and the Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd was dissolved in 1999 .

From the guide to the Records of the Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd, rope and textile manufacturers, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1939-1963, (Glasgow University Archive Services)

The Gourock Ropeworks Co , rope makers and textile manufacturers, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, Scotland, created the wholly owned subsidiary Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd in 1888 to deal with the overseas trade. The first branch was opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1888 and in 1902 a branch in Sydney, Australia was opened. Subsequent Australian branches opened in Melbourne and Brisbane. Prior to 1920 the Sydney office also covered New Zealand after which time a separate office was established in Wellington, New Zealand. The company produced ropes, twines, cordage and proofed Birkmyre cloth for tents and tarpaulins.

From 1902 until the middle of the 1914-1918 World War, the business was conducted by a resident representative located in Wellington who travelled through New Zealand selling the companies products. Following the war, this role was under taken by visitors from the Sydney branch. In 1920 it was decided by the Gourock Ropeworks Co Ltd that a branch office and warehouse be opened in Wellington. Offices were established and stocks of Birkmyre's waterproof cloth and products were imported yet no factory works were established to produce goods on site. Prior to this, orders had to be shipped direct to the customer from the Port Glasgow offices. Because of the New Zealand's government policy of National sufficiency, the company suffered from import restrictions and selection with exchange restrictions. As a result of these restrictions, it was not possible to sell all the items that Gourock produced, the main trade being undertaken in Birkmyre cloth and textile piece goods and wire ropes. The company appears to have ceased trading in the 1960s and Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd was dissolved in 1999.

Source: GB 248 UGD 42/11/8/3 The Gourock Brochure (1954)

From the guide to the Records of the Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd, rope and textile manufacturers, Wellington, New Zealand, 1940-1963, (Glasgow University Archive Services)

The Gourock Ropeworks Co , rope makers and textile manufacturers, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, Scotland, created the wholly owned subsidiary Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd in 1888 to deal with overseas trade. The first branch was opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1888, followed by a branch in Sydney, Australia in 1902 . Subsequent Australian branches were opened in Melbourne and Brisbane. Prior to 1920 the Sydney office also covered New Zealand after which time a separate office was established in Wellington, New Zealand.

The Australian branches produced the famous Birkmyre waterproof canvas that soon became well known in the country to the extent that all canvas in Australia, regardless of its manufacturer, were referred to as "Birkmyres". In order to allow the company to trade in made-up canvas goods, a subsidiary company, Birkmyre Canvas Co (Pty) Ltd was established in 1940 . Factories were opened in Sydney and Melbourne, and after considerable initial difficulties due to the prevailing wartime conditions, operations were begun. The Sydney offices of both companies were vacated in 1952 and transferred to Concord, Australia. The companies appear to have ceased trading in the late 1960s and the Gourock Ropes & Canvas Ltd was dissolved in 1999 .

Source: GB 248 UGD 42/11/8/3 The Gourock Brochure (1954)

From the guide to the Records of the Gourock Ropes and Canvass Co Ltd, rope makers and textile manufacturers, Australia (including Birkmyre Canvas Co (Pty) Ltd), 1931-1967, (Glasgow University Archive Services)