J F Collier & Co, Macclesfield

J.F. Collier & Co Ltd., engineers and founders, King Edward Street, Macclesfield. Manhole cover on Fieldbank Road, Macclesfield.

An iron working business had been operated adjacent to the Bate Hall Hotel for many years and became known as the Courtown Ironworks. In 1825 a foundry was established on the site by Benjamin Harlow and this operated until 1914 under the management of the family. They specialised in making cast iron central heating boilers, radiators, pipes and fittings.

The direct male line of the Harlow family died out in 1914 and the foundry and engineering works was purchased by Mattew Collier and his son Fred. About 1960 the firm was sold to Parmiter, Hope and Sugden Ltd of Longsight. Production continued until 1966 after which the buildings were demolished and replaced by Stuart House which was occupied for many years by Macclesfield Borough Council.