1879

Alexander Taylor arrived in Mauritius on the sailing vessel Toftcoombes as an officer carpenter. He joined Black & Smith. At this time records show the company to have four partners: James Smith, James Mitchell, Alexander Taylor and Capt. A. Ritchie (also from Scotland)

1892

The premises and workshops were devastated by cyclone, causing severe financial hardship to the business. Alexander Taylor obtained a loan to keep the partnership alive. The new capital was Rs36000, shared equally between Alexander Taylor, James Smith and Capt. Richie. A portion of crown land situated at the north end of what is today known as Quay D was subleased from Blyth Bros.