History
18th Century
The first ‘Dutch-end’ beam scale produced by John White in 1715
It was John White, a blacksmith from Auchtermuchty, who began the whole story in 1715. Not content with creating just any old weighing machine, he produced a particularly fine example of a ‘Dutch-end’ beam scale – the latest design from Germany – for one of his customers.
19th Century
The Weights & Measures Acts (1878–1893) introduced national standards for weighing machines. These were enforceable by local Weights & Measures Inspectors, and suddenly everybody wanted to buy machines that conform to these standards. Business was booming!
Early 1900’s
Knoydart Weighbridge
This weighbridge at Inverie, Knoydart was installed in the early 1900’s. The two-wheel cart weighbridge was sold to the estate so that everyone living there, depending on their role and status, could be given the correct amount of coal. It was ‘rediscovered’ 100 years later, in 2014, and is still in working order.
WW1
Large beam-scale to weigh Howitzer shells
During WW1, JWS designed and manufactured a special large beam-scale to weigh Howitzer shells to help the war effort.
1930’s
John White & Son invoice dated 21/09/1935
During the 1930’s John White & Son spotted a gap in the market, and started producing finished moulds in their foundry for the production of glass bottles.
1940’s
The John White & Son Stand
In 1949, John White & Son exhibited at the first Scottish Industries Exhibition held in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow from 1st to 17th September.
1950’s
John White & Son Exhibit
In 1954, John White & Son exhibited at the second Scottish Industries Exhibition.
As with the first exhibition, the John White 1715 Beam was on display highlighting the company’s heritage.
1960’s
The “Top Table” group at the 250th Anniversary Dinner in 1965.
In 1965, John White & Son celebrated their 250-year anniversary
1970’s – 1990’s
The original JWS Cartomat Checkweigher
During this time John White & Son invented, refined and patented the Cartomat Checkweigher, pioneering the use of electronics in weighing technology. The JWS Cartomat Checkweigher would become the preferred checkweigher in the bottling halls of all the major spirit producers in the United Kingdom. The catalyst was the whisky industry and in particular ‘William Teacher and Son’. A checkweigher was needed that they could pass all their cartons over to check whether they were fully packed or not.
1970’s – 1990’s
United Kingdom Weighing Federation (UKWF)
John White & Son played a central role at the United Kingdom Weighing Federation (UKWF) when they drew up the two Codes of Practice for Calibration that the whole industry now follows. JWS Service Manager, at the time, Jim Donaldson was a key member of the working parties, and became one of the leading experts in his field.
2015
Edwin White, Tio White, Joyce Onounga together with Provost Jim Leishman
In 2015, John White & Son celebrated their 300-year anniversary.
Present Day
Joyce Onuonga Managing Director
For Joyce, the 300-year legacy of JWS served as the perfect springboard to take the company into a future built on innovation and service excellence. Her aim is to continue working to grow a vibrant business with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our operations.
