The firm of Fleming, Reid & Co was founded in 1840 by John Fleming and James Reid as a thread manufacturer in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland. Their main product, worsted yarns, was sold mainly to manufacturers in Glasgow, Scotland, and the company was the nearest rival to Paton & Baldwins Ltd, thread manufacturers, Uxbridge, Middlesex, England. In the late 1840s, Alexander Fleming (1826-1905), John's younger brother, joined the firm and was soon made manager of the factory and a partner, taking more responsibility as the other partner, James Reid, son of the founding Reid, was elected MP for Greenock. In 1880, the firm was hit by disaster when almost all their mills at Shawswater, Greenock, were destroyed by fire - the warehouse was the only building saved. Mill space was rented in England while new mills were built at Greenock, which became operational in 1883. Alexander created the chain of 'Scotch Hosiery Stores' in order to appeal to the public at a time of declining demand. The success of these stores saw the company diversify from production of knitting yarns to manufacture of hosiery and underwear. By the time Alexander died in 1905 there were 128 stores throughout the country. In 1899 , the firm was converted into a limited liability company, as Fleming, Reid & Co Ltd , with Alexander's son James becoming managing director. At this time their capital was å£250,000, rising in 1909 to å£350,000, in 1918 to å£675,000 and in 1924 to å£1,175,000. The name of the company changed to Coats Patons (Retail) Ltd in 1967 .
From the guide to the Records of Fleming, Reid & Co Ltd, thread manufacturers, Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland, 1899-1967, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
