Currans, based in Grangetown, was once a major employer in South Wales, with the likes of Shirley Bassey, above, even working in the firm’s packing department before she found stardom as a singer. The company was founded around 100 years ago by Edward Curran whose father Charles, an Irish stonemason, had settled in Cardiff because of work created by the city’s thriving docks. After following in his father’s footsteps to become a stonemason, Edward designed a new type of furnace for metal heating, which he built at Cardiff’s Mountstuart Dry Docks in 1909. The business expanded rapidly, and in 1914 secured a government contract for producing armaments for the war effort, creating thousands of jobs. In addition to its metal work, the business also expanded into other avenues including the production of enamelware goods such as mugs and plates.
Source: www.walesonline.co.uk
Edward Curran and Co
of Hurman Street, Bute Docks, Cardiff, South Wales. Telephone: 4752 (5 lines). Telegraphic Address: "Cartridge, Cardiff"
1903 Edward Curran Engineering Co was founded.
1914 Edward Curran Engineering developed expertise in drawing and shaping metal and were involved in producing armaments used in the First World War.
1937 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Silver Swallow, Chef, and Lilywhite Enamelled Ware, In a wide variety of pleasing modern colours, in addition to the ever-popular white - designed by housewives for housewives. (Stand No. A.605)
1961 Edward Curran invested in 1600 ton press to produce high quality steel baths.
1972 Edward Curran began to manufacture acrylic baths.
1973 Edward Curran Engineering Limited of Cardiff, the UK leading makers of steel baths, joined Reed Building Products division, adding steel and acrylic baths to Twyfords’ range of sanitaryware.