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The business continued to expand during the
first decade of the twentieth century. In 1905, the leaded glass
undertaking of Britten and Gilson closed down and their late manager
was engaged by Haywards to conduct a newly-formed leaded glass department.
A representative was appointed to operate from Birmingham as his centre
and it was his duty to develop the already substantial connection in the
Midlands and the West Country.
It was plain to the directors at this stage that
once more the Union Street works were being subjected to too great a
strain as a result of new orders. This led to the erection of a large
new five storey building planned on modern lines with a lift at a central
point communicating with the several floors. The original designs were
prepared by Eckstein and these formed the basis of the plans of the
architects.
Within the works, G. F. Pittar had been
encouraging two new types of manufacture, collapsible steel gates and
Copperlite fire-resisting glazing. His good work in these
departments was rewarded by a seat on the Board to which he was elected
in December 1906. This year the capital of the company was increased
to £75,00.
The Manchester branch, second only in importance
to the London headquarters, had also grown proportionately, requiring
larger premises in Simpson Street with their own workshops so that local
pavement light orders could be supplied direct. Glasgow, however,
showed no improvement. "Returns from the district are still very
disappointing" reported the Secretary at the Annual General Meeting,
adding: "But the building trade there is very depressed." A 999 years'
lease of the present headquarters Nos. 187/189, Union Street was acquired
in 1907.
Further, patent rights for the Reform
puttyless glazing were acquired the same year and this was brought within
the scope of manufacture as soon as could be arranged.
J. G. Willmore, who had served fifteen years
with the firm since Cottam and Willmore were absorbed, was made a
director
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