Robert Morton & Sons Ltd
Robert Morton & Sons Ltd started in 1879 as brass and iron founders in the town producing their version of steam fired lorries and buses. The "Morton" steam lorry was produced under license from LIFU (Liquid Fuel Engineering Co. Ltd) of Cowes, Isle of Wight. Morton continued this production of its lorries and buses until 1906 when it reformed and became known as The Belhaven Motor Works. The name Morton reverted back to the firms' bakery manufacturing operation which, unlike the automotive operation, is still trading today.
In 1906 the Morton name was replaced by the Belhaven Engineering & Motors Ltd. Still owned by Morton the company went on to produce variations of their own light lorries from their Battle Axe Works on the towns Heathery Rd.
The first of the Belhaven petrol powered lorries used Tyler and then latterly Aster power units, coupled with the now proven chain drive transmission. These models were produced primarily as chassis cabs until their demise in 1924 ,when technology ,and the need to re-tool surpassed the capabilities of the humble Wishaw factory.
The majority of Belhaven owners had their vehicle bodies manufactured locally by John Stewart who set up business in the Coltness Coachworks on Kirk Rd. Wishaw offering a custom built facility to coach and lorry operators.