Learn about the founding, growth, and contributions of Montreal Locomotive Works. Explore their impact on job creation, infrastructure development, and the export of locomotives. Discover the reasons behind their decline and closure, and their lasting legacy on Canadian manufacturing.
History of Montreal Locomotive Works
Montreal Locomotive Works, also known as MLW, was a Canadian manufacturer of locomotives that played a significant role in Canada’s transportation industry. The company was founded in 1901 by the merger of five smaller companies that produced locomotives, and it became a subsidiary of the American Locomotive Company in 1904.
Founding and Early Years
MLW’s founding was a result of the demand for locomotives in Canada, which was growing rapidly due to the country’s expanding rail network. The company’s early years were marked by intense competition from other Canadian manufacturers, including the Canadian Locomotive Company and the Canadian Pacific Railway, which had its own locomotive shop. However, MLW quickly established itself as a major player in the industry due to its innovative designs and superior quality.
Expansion and Growth
MLW’s success in the early years allowed it to expand rapidly, and by the 1920s, it had become one of the largest locomotive manufacturers in the world. The company’s locomotives were used not only in Canada but also in other parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and Asia. MLW’s success was due in part to its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and to innovate new products.
Contributions to World War II
During World War II, MLW played a crucial role in supplying locomotives to the Canadian armed forces, as well as to the British and American forces. The company’s locomotives were used to transport troops and supplies, and they were also used to haul heavy equipment and weapons. MLW’s contribution to the war effort helped to secure victory for the Allies and cemented the company’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of locomotives.
Products and Innovations of Montreal Locomotive Works
Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) was a leading manufacturer of locomotives in Canada and the United States. The company produced a range of locomotives, including steam, diesel, and gas turbine locomotives. Each type of locomotive had its unique features and contributed to the development of the railway industry.
Steam Locomotives
Steam locomotives were the first type of locomotives produced by MLW. The company’s first steam locomotive, the Montcalm, was built in 1883. The Montcalm was a 2-4-0 tank locomotive that was used for passenger and freight service. MLW continued to produce until the mid-20th century.
One of the most significant steam locomotives produced by MLW was the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) 4-6-4 Hudson. The Hudson was designed for express passenger service and was one of the most powerful of its time. The CPR used the Hudson for its flagship passenger trains, including the Canadian and Dominion.
Diesel Locomotives
The introduction of diesel locomotives in the 1920s revolutionized the railway industry. Diesel locomotives were more efficient, reliable, and required less maintenance than . MLW began producing in the 1930s and quickly became a leading manufacturer.
One of the most significant produced by MLW was the FPA-4 passenger locomotive. The FPA-4 was designed for passenger service and had a distinctive “bulldog” nose. The FPA-4 was used by several Canadian railroads, including Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway.
MLW also produced several models of diesel-electric locomotives, including switchers and road locomotives. The RS-18 road locomotive was one of the most successful models produced by MLW. The RS-18 was used by several Canadian railroads and was known for its reliability and performance.
Gas Turbine Locomotives
Gas turbine locomotives were an experimental type of locomotive produced by MLW in the 1950s. Gas turbine locomotives used a gas turbine engine to generate electricity, which powered electric motors that drove the locomotive’s wheels. Gas turbine locomotives were more efficient than but were also more expensive to build and maintain.
MLW produced several gas turbine locomotives, including the Turbotrain and the Gas Turbine Electric. The Turbotrain was an experimental passenger train that used gas turbine locomotives to reach speeds of up to 100 mph. The Gas Turbine Electric was a freight locomotive that was used by several Canadian railroads.
Impact of Montreal Locomotive Works on Canada’s Economy
The Montreal Locomotive Works had a significant impact on the Canadian economy throughout its existence. The company not only provided job opportunities for thousands of Canadians but also played a crucial role in infrastructure development and export of locomotives.
Job Creation and Employment
The Montreal Locomotive Works was one of the largest employers in Canada, providing jobs for thousands of Canadians throughout its existence. The company’s workforce included skilled workers such as engineers, machinists, and welders, as well as laborers and administrative staff.
The company’s workforce was diverse, with employees from various backgrounds and ethnicities. In the early years, many of the workers were immigrants who had come to Canada seeking better opportunities. The company provided them with stable jobs and helped them integrate into Canadian society.
The Montreal Locomotive Works also provided opportunities for women to work in a male-dominated industry. During World War II, many women joined the workforce to support the war effort, and the company played a significant role in providing them with jobs.
Infrastructure Development
The Montreal Locomotive Works played a crucial role in the development of Canada’s infrastructure. The company’s locomotives were used to transport goods and people across the country, connecting remote regions and spurring economic growth.
The company’s locomotives were also used to build infrastructure such as railways, bridges, and tunnels. The company’s expertise in manufacturing locomotives allowed it to contribute to the construction of some of Canada’s most iconic infrastructure projects, such as the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Export of Locomotives
The Montreal Locomotive Works was a major exporter of locomotives, with its products being sold to countries around the world. The company’s locomotives were renowned for their quality and reliability, making them highly sought after by foreign buyers.
The company’s export business played a significant role in Canada’s economy, providing valuable foreign exchange earnings. The company’s locomotives were exported to countries such as the United States, Mexico, Australia, and India, among others.
Decline and Closure of Montreal Locomotive Works
The Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) had a long and prosperous history that spanned over seven decades. However, the company’s decline and eventual closure were caused by a combination of factors, including competition from foreign manufacturers, technological obsolescence, and labor issues and strikes.
Competition from Foreign Manufacturers
One of the major factors that led to the decline of MLW was the competition from foreign manufacturers. In the 1950s and 60s, locomotive production shifted from steam to diesel-electric technology. This shift led to increased competition from manufacturers in Europe and the United States, who were able to produce more efficient and cost-effective locomotives.
The competition from foreign manufacturers put pressure on MLW to improve its production processes and reduce costs. However, the company struggled to adapt to the changing market conditions, and its products became less competitive over time.
Technological Obsolescence
Another factor that contributed to the decline of MLW was technological obsolescence. As mentioned earlier, the shift from steam to diesel-electric technology was a significant change in the locomotive industry. Unfortunately, MLW was slow to adapt to this change, and many of its locomotives became technologically outdated.
The company’s inability to keep up with technological advancements meant that it could not compete with other manufacturers in terms of performance and efficiency. As a result, MLW lost market share, and its financial situation became increasingly precarious.
Labor Issues and Strikes
Finally, labor issues and strikes also played a role in the decline of MLW. The company had a long history of labor disputes, with strikes occurring regularly throughout its history. These strikes often resulted in production delays and increased costs, which further weakened the company’s financial position.
In addition, the company’s relationship with its employees deteriorated over time, with many workers feeling undervalued and underpaid. This led to a decline in morale and productivity, which further contributed to the company’s decline.
- Sources:
- “Montreal Locomotive Works.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal-locomotive-works
- “The Decline of the Montreal Locomotive Works.” Canadian Rail. https://www.exporail.org/can_rail/Canadian%20Rail_no564_2015.pdf
Legacy of Montreal Locomotive Works
Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) was a significant player in Canada’s manufacturing industry, producing locomotives and railway equipment for over 100 years. Despite its eventual decline and closure, the company left a lasting legacy in the country’s economy, culture, and history. In this section, we will explore the ways in which MLW’s impact is still felt today.
Preservation of Locomotives
One of the most visible ways in which MLW’s legacy has been preserved is through the restoration and preservation of its locomotives. Many of these historic machines are now on display in museums, heritage sites, and private collections across Canada and around the world. These locomotives are not only valuable artifacts but also serve as reminders of the important role that MLW played in shaping Canada’s transportation infrastructure.
Memorials and Commemoration
Another way in which MLW’s legacy has been honored is through memorials and commemoration. The company’s contribution to Canada’s economy and the war efforts during World War II has been recognized through various plaques, monuments, and public artworks. The most notable of these is the “The Last Spike” sculpture in Montreal, which pays tribute to the workers who built Canada’s transcontinental railroad, many of whom were employed by MLW.
Influence on Canadian Manufacturing Industry
MLW’s influence on Canada’s manufacturing industry can still be seen today, long after the company’s closure. The skills and expertise developed by MLW’s workers have been passed down through generations, and many former employees went on to start their own successful manufacturing businesses. MLW’s innovative spirit and commitment to quality have also set the standard for other Canadian manufacturers, inspiring them to push the boundaries and strive for excellence.
*Examples of MLW locomotives on display:
– CNR 6218 at Exporail in Saint-Constant, Quebec
– CPR 2850 at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel in Cranbrook, British Columbia
– CP 2857 at the Canadian Railway Museum in Delson, Quebec
– CP 3100 at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Ontario
