R. B. Tennant

Founded by a long established local family, R. B. Tennent & Co. opened their Whiffiet Foundry, near Coatbridge, in 1857 for roll making.

Starting on a small scale they quickly grew to become the largest roll making unit in Britain. At its height the Whifflet Foundry produced 40% of the chilled cast iron rolls and 60% of the cast steel rolls manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Their steel rolls were also the largest to be made in the country and were marketed world-wide.

Until 1915 they manufactured complete rolling mills.

 In 1942 the company became a leading partner in the British Rollmakers Corporation.

The Whiffiet Foundry was closed down in 1995, although the adjacent Meadow Works (also owned by British Rollmakers) remain in operation.
 

See Photos