History of Halliday 1852-1900
The founder of the Company, Charles Halliday, arrived in Sydney after a long sea voyage from Scotland in 1852. Charles was a Pattern Maker and Mill Wright,
and together with two colleagues from P.N. Russel & Co. he established the 'The Sydney Machine Engineering Company', located at the foot of Bathurst Street in Sydney.
After rapid growth, the three relocated the business to Pyrmont. Three years later, Charles bought out his two partners and so formed the foundations of 'Hallidays Engine Works'. The company remained in Pyrmont until 1883, when they moved to their new premises in 30 Erskine Street, Sydney. Now described by the media as an 'Industrial Pioneer', Charles was included in the 'Man of Mark' book of distinguished gentlemen.
At the turn of the century, Charles' seven sons took over their ageing fathers business, and struggled under very difficult times as the Bubonic Plague swept through Sydney. This forced many shipping terminals to temporarily close and/or relocate. In the following years the Company moved from foundry work to more engineering focused work. Four sons withdrew from the Company, leaving three (William, Charles Jnr and John), who renamed the Company 'Halliday Brothers'. When William and Charles passed away, all was left to John and his six sons (who served their apprenticeship with the firm).
