Watkins Brick Co.
The Watkins Brick Co. was a shale brick manufacturer located on Templeton Road (formerly Mulga Road) west of Ensley and adjoining Sherman Heights. The company was organized by Harry and Arthur Watkins in 1925. Manufacturing was overseen by vice-president O. S. Adams who designed the company's plant, which went into operation in December 1928.
The Watkins Brick plant was located directly next to its shale quarry or pit. The plant's production capacity, initially limited by its kilns, was 2,500,000 bricks per month during its first year of operation. A conversion to gas fueled kilns expanded capacity in 1931. The company's shale bricks were marketed worldwide for their acid and chemical resistance and were generally used in industrial plants, particularly for the petroleum industry. The company also manufactured face brick and pavers for the local market.
By 1957 the Watkins Brick Co. employed more than 70 workers and had increased production to 56,000 bricks per day. D. H. Shirley was then supervising the plant as general manager.
The company was dissolved in 1986.
References
- "Watkins Brick Company" (January 25, 1930) The Dixie Manufacturer. Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 66
- "Bricks From Ensley Firm Go All Around The World" (May 31, 1957) Birmingham Post-Herald