By 1903, advances in rubber technology had created compounds with greater heat resistance, allowing the Beldams to improve their steam packings. One of the first results was the V-Pilot, an evolution of the 1904 Pilot design.
Its original slotted white-metal bar was replaced with a folded V-section strip, giving greater flexibility, a better seal and lower friction. Combined with improved rubber impregnation, it quickly outperformed earlier packings. One notable user was the White Star liner Titanic, which carried V-Pilot packing before its tragic loss in 1912.
1908 – The Beldam Tyre Venture Begins
In 1975, workers removing cladding from an old chimney at Windmill Road uncovered the words BELDAM TYRES in white brickwork — a reminder of a forgotten business venture.
Though separate from the core packing company, Beldam Tyres was closely linked to the family. George Beldam, an enthusiastic early motorist, believed tyres of the day could be improved. Cars suffered from skidding, punctures and poor grip, while metal-studded tyres quickly wore smooth.
His solution placed metal inserts on the tyre shoulders rather than the tread, allowing the road to keep the edges sharp. Tested over 4,000 miles on his Lorraine Dietrich between 1908 and 1909, the tyres proved highly effective. Encouraged by the results, George patented the design and formed the G.W. Beldam Tyre Syndicate in 1909.
1912 – Beldam Tyres Ltd
In June 1912, the syndicate became Beldam Tyres Limited with capital of £25,000. A dedicated plant was established at Windmill Road, complete with a chimney built in the tyre tread pattern and offices featuring carved GWB monograms.
1920–1927 – Restructure and Closure
After the post-war motoring boom, demand collapsed and credit tightened. Like many firms of the era, Beldam Tyres struggled. Reorganised in 1920, the business continued for several years before entering liquidation in 1924 and finally closing in 1927.
1914 – Beldam Packing Incorporates
While the tyre venture developed, the core packing business was also growing fast. Demand for V-Pilot packing drove investment in machinery, buildings and workshops.
Following the death of Asplan Beldam, George and Cyril took control. To support expansion, the Beldam Packing and Rubber Company was incorporated on 7 August 1914 with capital of £60,000.
In 1914–1918 – War Demand and Industrial Expansion
The First World War created huge demand for engineering products. Beldam packings were needed for naval and merchant ships, prompting major investment in new mills, calendars, vulcanisers, presses and factory space. The workforce more than doubled.
This period transformed Beldam from a growing family firm into a substantial industrial manufacturer.
Henry Crossleys founded in 1913.
That places Henry Crossley in the great age of British industrial manufacturing, when Lancashire was one of the world’s engineering powerhouses.
1938 – A Thriving Bolton Manufacturer
By 1938 the company had an established workforce and operated from:
Temple Road, Astley Bridge, Bolton
This suggests a successful family-run enterprise with multiple generations involved in leadership.
The Product Focus: Packings & Industrial Seals
The company name Henry Crossley (Packings) Ltd indicates its core expertise was:
- Rope packings
- Mechanical sealing products
- Industrial gasketing
- Engineered packings for rotating equipment
- Marine and heavy engineering applications
These products were critical to pumps, valves, ships, steam systems and industrial machinery.
The next issue covers the great WW2 effort!
THE ENTIRE RELECTIONS SERIES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.BELDAMCROSSLEY.CO.UK/ ABOUT-US/OUR-HISTORY
Major E. W. B. Kidby, O.B.E., R.E., (center in the long coat) appears to have been an important figure in Swansea’s marine engineering community. After demobilisation in 1919, he also joined Beldam Packing & Rubber Co. and later became the company’s West Wales manager, based in Swansea from 1922.
His work connected Beldam with the docks, ship repair activity and marine engineering sector in the area. By the late 1940s, he was also involved with the Swansea Local Section of the Institute of Marine Engineers, showing his standing within the local maritime industry.
The reference helps place Beldam within Swansea’s historic port and ship-support network in addition to London, Manchester and Liverpool.
