One of the well known implement and machine makers in Perthshire was J. Bisset & Sons, Marlee, then Greenback, Blairgowrie.
The company traded from at least 1867 until the mid 1960s. On 16 June 1966 the Directors passed a resolution to voluntarily wind up the company; it was dissolved on 20 November 1970. The company was noted for its potato diggers as well as its reaping machines and binders.
In 1877 the company opened a new implement works. The building of these was reported in the local newspapers at that time. Another one was recorded published in the Dundee courier of 26 August 1892. It is one of the few accounts of the implement works, and of an implement maker. It reads:
“Local implement makers
As makers of agricultural implements of all kinds of the firm of Messrs J. Bisset & Sons, Blairgowrie, has attained a reputation amongst farmers in Scotland and in many parts of England that few firms can excel. It is now almost half a century since the works at Blairgowrie were inaugurated. Started on a comparatively small scale, they have now assumed such great proportions as to cover a great extent of ground. Yesterday one of our representatives called upon Mr T. Bisset, the principal partner of the firm, and stated his desire to have a look through the works. He was courteously received by that gentleman, who willingly agreed to his request. Visiting first of all the moulding department, which is situated in the north wing, our reporter was favoured with an explanation of the process if casting. Several men were hard at work preparing moulds of various kinds for the numerous machines for the manufacture of which the Messrs Bisset are so famed, and the great care and neatness that was manifested in the preparation of these was of a most interesting description. In reply to a question as to the nature of the metal used in making the casting, Mr Bisset informed the reporter that the kind used by his firm was that which combined lightness with strength, and that only the best brands of cast-iron were used for the ordinary castings and ironwork of the machines produced from the works. Our representative here ventured to remark that there were so many small wheels and other things connected with reaping, mowing, and binding machines that an infinite amount of work was involved in the moulding of these. He was informed, however, that the great bulk of the smaller castings prepared from superior malleable iron were made in Derby. Proceeding to the larger and more important part of the premises, which is situated in the very heart of the works, Mr Bisset explained the various machines in operation. Most of these were of the newest design, and were driven by a large and powerful horizontal steam engine. It is in this department that the finest and most exacting work is done, for in the grinding of the many intricate parts of reaping and other agricultural machines the greatest care must be taken, as the difference of the minutest nature in the construction of a machine may interfere with its working. One machine in particular is especially worthy of mention. It consists of two small wheels, driven by means of a pulley and belts, and was designed by Mr Bisset. On this the teeth of reaping machines are ground to a nicety. Another of Mr Bisset’s inventions is a simple-looking but ingenious multiple drilling machine, the effect of which is not only labour saving, but entails greater accuracy. It is upon this that the knife-boards are drilled. Two of these being placed upon the table are bored with twenty-three holes and afterwards moved along a short distance and drilled again in a similar manner, the work of boring ninety-two holes occupying only three minutes. Other drilling machines for similar plates are also kept constantly in operation by a number of men. The steam hammers and other machines are of the newest design, and are most effective in their working.
The portion of the works in which the wooden parts of the machines are made is also very interesting. Numerous planing, moulding, and other machines are here in operation, and reduce the work of the joiners to a minimum. Quite close to this part is situated a shed in which the machines are fitted up. We recently published a description of the newest invention of the firm-viz, the Bisset chain binder-and the ingenuity which has been displayed by its inventors certainly commends it to agriculturists. In concluding a necessarily brief description of the works, we may simply remark that some idea may be formed of the great demand there is on the reaping and binding machines produced by Messrs J. Bisset & Sons from the fact that firm supply to their customers innumerable tons of manilla twine annually.”
