Tenders for “the supply, fixing and putting to work of one condensing pumping engine, two boilers, one barring engine, and an overhead travelling crane together with the accessories necessary for the complete working of the whole of the machinery etc.” were invited in August 1912, and were returned in September 1912 by eleven manufacturers. It had originally been intended to install two engines and three boilers and the specification shows that the Company had not decided whether to phase the capitol expenditure and install one engine and boilers or to complete the scheme as a single project.

Ashton Frost Steam Engine - Taken Before Second Engine was Installed One month after receipt of the tenders the Company seemed to favour two engines and three boilers and a period of negotiation and a change of specification (steel rising main instead of cast iron, Sugdens superheater instead of Sissons) ensued until in February 1913 the tender of Ashton Frost and Co. Ltd of Bank Top Foundry, Blackburn, in the sum of £10,401 was accepted. This was for one engine, two boilers and certain supporting beams and pipe work pre‑fixed for the second engine.

 Delivery to Mill Meece was promised within nine months with erection at the site taking a further three months. This twelve‑month period was later extended to fifteen months. The boilers, economisers, superheater, etc. were delivered and installed in April 1914. The engine was erected at the Ashton Frosts works at the end of May 1914 and delivered to Mill Meece in June 1914. The Company had been requested to leave a hole ten foot by twelve foot in the wall to facilitate erection of the engine, but Ashton Frost had to make do with the doorway without any framing through which to pass the components, the largest of which were the two halves of the flywheel.

The specification stated that the sinking of wells was to continue after completion of the permanent building and engine and the above order appears to have been amended so that one borehole pump was replaced by a 21 inch diameter Ashley concertina type temporary well pump made by Glenfield and Kennedy.

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