Reid Brothers (Glasgow) Ltd was established in 1868. The Company expanded over the years with branches around the world. Over time the branches were sold off until only the original Glasgow office was left. 

In 1988 the business was put up for sale by Mr Reid. It became part of Thorne and Derrick from Bristol. The business along with three members of staff David Sim, Danny Rooney and a storesman left the Wellington St address and established themselves in premises in Govan.

With such a long and illustrious history the name was not changed so Reid Brothers (Glasgow) continued to trade alongside Thorne and Derrick.

To build a history of Reid Brothers and we would very much like to hear from ex-employees and ex-Reid Brothers businesses around the world.

1868 The business is established

In 1887, Joseph Reid and William Hutchison, merchants of Glasgow, Scotland, established a firm as mine and colliery suppliers for the South African trade. At this time, Joseph Reid was already active in furnishing engineering works and collieries with machinery through his company, Reid Bros, based in St Enoch's Square, Glasgow. In 1889, the Reid-Hutchison partnership was converted into a joint stock company, Reid Bros (Johannesburg) Ltd with its registered offices situated in Glasgow and the principle share holders being the former partners. Reid Bros (South Africa) Ltd continued and built on the trade of Reid Bros (Johannesburg) Ltd who had offices in Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa. The company continued to act as agents for other Scottish and English companies who exported engineering machinery and parts as well as marketing equipment, accessories, tools and supplies for mining, manufacturing and construction industries. Various subsidiary companies operated the main company's business though out southern Africa. Reid Bros (Rhodesia) Ltd conducted the company's business in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with branches in Salisbury, Bulawayo and Que Que; Reid Bros & Curtis Ltd operated in Zambia; and in Botswana through Reid Bros & Curtis (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd. When William Hutchison died his shares in the company passed to Joseph Reid, and upon his death the shares were distributed among his family, most of whom were directors and shareholders in Reid Bros (Glasgow) Ltd, the successor company of Reid Bros.

In 1918, Reid Brothers (Johannesburg) Ltd was transferred to Reid Bros (South Africa) Ltd with its registered offices being in Johannesburg. This company was converted into a public company in 1946 and in 1969 was acquired by African Oxygen Ltd, Johannesburg, who purchased the entire ordinary share capital of the company.

???  Reid Brothers (Rhodesia)

???  Reid Brothers & Curtis (Zambia)

???  Sale of branches to Dowson & Dobson

1969 AFROX buys Reid Brothers (South Africa)

1988 The business is sold

2009 New Reid Brothers website established

Some business activities of Reid Brothers or their shareholders from the past that others perhaps can elaborate on further.

??? Clyde Nail Co. Ltd

???  Waverley Iron and Steel  Co. Ltd

Even the sale of locomotives!!  ??