The Frost Wire Fence Company

Remarkable Progress of one of Welland’s Newest and Growing Industries

[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, issues August 22,1902 by the Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]

Nearly every land owner throughout the settled parts of Canada, is fully aware that the enclosing of farm and other properties, by wire fencing, is more practical, beautifying economical and serviceable than any other known method, involving any or all of these essentials. These facts have become apparent in its adoption by the leading railways of the continent, as well as municipalities and private individuals, who recognize the advantages derived by its use, and it has led to the creation of an industry by itself.

The Frost Wire Fence Co., of which Mr. M.H. Frost is President, Mr. A.R. Gilbert, Vice President, and Mr H. L. Frost, Secretary and whose plant in Welland is practically a new addition to Ontario’s new industries, to which belongs the credit of producing wire fencing and steel framed wire gates, for which strength and durability, combined with lowness in cost, is superior to any other kind in the market. This being the result of many years of careful experiment in the perfection of machinery for the manufacture thereof, and for which they hold letters patent.

The members of the Frost Company are the originators of the genuine high carbon, coiled spring wire, which they use for lateral strands in their fence, this together with the heavy steel perpendicular wires bound to the horizontal wires by the Frost wedge-lock, has made the fencing manufactured by this Company so popular.

The Frost Wire Fence Co., of Welland, was established in Welland in 1898, a branch of the big Cleveland works, and was incorporated here in 1900.

Judging from the enquiries that had been received from Canada, prior to locating here, they felt quite confident that an enormous trade could be established for a good wire fence, and after careful investigation, they decided that they could not get a more suitable place to manufacture, than Welland.

The company started business in an old church at the west end of the town, but after the first year, quarters became cramped. In 1901, the company has so outgrown its old building, that it became absolutely necessary to seek new quarters, and after a lengthy consideration the large, new brick factory was built at the east end of town,just north of the G.T.R. depot, and along the tracks of the Welland division of the G.T. and Wabash Railway.

The building is two stories, 60×80, with large storeroom and basement. Their power is supplied by a 20 h.p. gas engine. On the main floor are various machines for making wire fences, and nearly all are produced from the ideas and patents of the members of the firm.

There is an automatic machine for making steel stay wires, which has a capacity of from 18,000 to 20,000 stays per day. Two heavy lock presses, which produce the wedge locks from Bessemer steel, which have a capacity of about 80,000 each per day. On the upper floor, are handsomely equipped general offices, and the gate making department. These gates are not only strong and durable, but handsome and easily operated. They have become popular all over the country, and have reached an enormous sale. From the short time the company have operated here, they have worked up an enormous business that has doubled its output every year. Last year the company sent out 750 miles of fence and this year that number will be easily doubled.

About thirty hands are employed in the works , and during the busy season, the machinery is running night and day. The Frost fence is coming into favor, not only in America, but in England, and foreign countries as well.

This year the Welland Company has established connections in Australia, and made a shipment there. They also send their product to England, and other European countries.

Recently the C.P.R. Co., has adopted Frost fencing on several of their divisions, and that company alone will require enough fencing to keep the Welland factory busy.