In business by 1875, in 1903 Robert Melvin of Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, was manufacturing steam engines among other products. Within a decade the firm had become Robert Melvin Ltd. but it seems likely that by that time they were no longer making engines.

Information Sources

• 1875-10-16 The Freemason and Masonic Illustrated, in an article on building a school in Alloa, notes that the iron and smith work was done by Robert Melvin of Alloa.
• Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, in an article on Preserving timber for estate and other purposes. "...Mr Robert Melvin, engineer, Sunnyside Foundry, Alloa, who has erected several large creosoting works, states that he could supply and erect a small apparatus like that described, including receiver and its fittings, air and force pumps, steam-coil, and all connections fitted up complete, for £280..."
• An 1897 issue of Live Stock Journal Almanac has an ad for "The Melvin" weighbridge from "Sole Maker-—Robert Melvin, Founder and Weighbridge maker, Alloa, N.B."
• 1903 Slater's Royal National Commercial Directory of Scotland has a text ad: "Robert Melvin, Ironfounder, Engineer, Millwright, Boiler Maker and Bridge Builder, Sunnyside Foundry and Boiler Works, Alloa. T. N. 26. / Steam Engines, Pumps, and all kinds of Engineering and Millwright Works. Boiler Making, Girders and Bridges, Portable Railway Plant. Loam, Drysand and Greensand Castings of all kinds. Builders' Metal, Railway Chairs, Crossings and Switches. Weighing Machines, Cranes, Iron Roofing, Cast and Malleable Iron Tanks of all descriptions, &c., &c. / 50-Cwt. Cart and Cattle Weighing Machines a Speciality. Price £20 f.o.r. Alloa, less discount."
• A 1947 report of the Great Britain. National Arbitration Tribunal includes the snippet, "...the claim made by the Union in June, 1946, that Robert Melvin Limited should on becoming a federated firm, pay their skilled engineers the Alloa district rate; the increase granted by the firm, after consultation with the above-mentioned Association, to bring the time rate of the said workers up to that being paid by the Harland Engineering Company;..."
• A 1962 issue of The Foundry Trade Journal has the following snippet. "...the seven showing at the exhibition included...an ironnfoundry and engineering works. The last-named, Robert Melvin, Limited, produces, inter alia, complete plant for whisky distilling (a predominantly Irish and Scottish activity, though similar plant goes to London makers of gin). Amongst this firm's exports, however, is gear-reduction plant which has gone to Russia."
• The Clackmannanshire Archives has in its collection papers from Robert Melvin Ltd. spanning 1918-1925. Another link says 1918-1947.
• The Glenfoot Bridge over the River Devon "was erected 1889 for Clackmannan Road Trustees by engineer Henry Lake CE and contractor Robert Melvin of Sunnyside Foundry, Alloa."