Shanks & CoJohn Shanks was born in 1826, in Paisley, and, after serving an apprenticeship with plumbers Wallace and Connell, went into business in the town as a plumber in his own right. However, despite initial success, this was not how he was to make his name. After opening a second branch in Barrhead, which was opposite South Church on Barrhead, and closing his original premises on Paisley's High St, Shanks established a brass foundry above his Barrhead shop. Now Shanks was able to take advantage of the rapid improvement of the sewer system that was occurring in the area. This was to be the beginning of his long and industrious career in Barrhead.
After initial success, Shanks erected a larger base of operations which he called the Tubal Foundry in 1866. This eventually became a site of great importance to the people of Barrhead, as a centre of industry in the area and an employer of many local people. The site of the Tubal Works was near where Barrhead Library is now, and it is marked by a blue plaque as part of the town's heritage trail.
Although Shanks died in 1895, his business remained in his family for a century, initially being taken over by his son, also named John.
Indeed, under the stewardship of his successors, Shanks went from strength to strength, opening another factory at the end of Victoria Road: the Victoria Works.
Such was the quality of Shanks goods the company won many awards for its designs, which in turn brought the company the reputation it deserved.
