Simons-Lobnitz Ltd was established in 1959 when G & J Weir Holdings Ltd , pump manufacturers, Glasgow, took over Lobnitz & Co Ltd , shipbuilders, Renfrew, Scotland, and merged it with William Simons & Co Ltd , ship and dredger builders, Renfrew, Scotland, which had been acquired by G & J Weir Ltd in 1957.
The announcement at the end of 1962 indicating that the Renfrew shipyards would close and that the activities of the company would be taken over by Alexander Stephen & Sons Ltd came as a surprise when the yard was operating not far short of peak production, although the company was operating at large losses until all work ceased at Renfrew.
Although it had been intended to close the yards by July 1963 this target was not achieved, largely due to labour disputes. The works, other than the smithy site and associated buildings were purchased by Thos W Ward Ltd , Engineers, Sheffied, England, on 31 August 1963 . The sales included the site of almost 50 acres, together with a wet dock and 2000 feet of river frontage, 40,000 square feet of industrial buildings and in excess of 1000 items of plant and machinery.
The final launch from Renfrew took place on 27 December 1963 when Hopper Barge no. 3 was put into the water under the supervision of Alexander Stephen & Sons Ltd . All activity ceased following the trials of that vessel and her departure on delivery to Calcutta, India, at the close of April 1964.
From the guide to the Records of Simons-Lobnitz Ltd, shipbuilders, Renfrew, Renfrewshire, Scotland, 1959-1975, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
