The company was established by Harry S. Edwards in Howdon in 1883.[1] Following the death of the founder the business was bought by Rowland Hodge in 1898. At that time Furness Withy were both a major shareholder and a major customer.[1] In 1918 it became a public company and subsequently acquired controlling interests in William Doxford & Sons, Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Workman, Clark and Company, Blythswood Shipbuilding Company, Monmouth Shipbuilding Company and the Lancashire Iron and Steel Company.[1] The combined business was the largest shipbuilding combine in the United Kingdom.[2] Following a collapse in demand and over-ordering of steel the business went into receivership in 1926. It briefly re-opened under new ownership in 1927 but closed again in 1930.[1]
