When one thinks of a foundry, a picturesque fishing community may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this foundry happens to be situated on one of the most beautiful and historic harbours in North America.

Founded in 1891, the foundry was first called the Lunenburg Iron Company. The successor company, Lunenburg Foundry Co. Ltd. was incorporated in 1897. After operating for several years, it was purchased by A.C. Thompson Co., of North Sydney, NS, which continued work until a fire destroyed most of the plant in 1905.

Time passed and Lunenburg businessmen talked. In 1907, a group of businessmen purchased the remaining buildings and equipment, resuming operations under the name of Lunenburg Foundry Co. Ltd. This capable combination of men provided both technical and administrative abilities, and the company began to grow. Within these joined forces was John James Kinley, Sr., the first in a long-standing Kinley-foundry connection of leading roles in the company.

Initially a little cast iron foundry, about a step up from a blacksmith shop, the company casted in both iron and brass, making mostly wood and coal stoves. With their products becoming part of practically every household in the community, the company became known to locals simply as “The Foundry”, never being called by its official business name.

They did not do marine work – yet. But, Lunenburg was quickly developing as a fishing port. And the foundry was located right on the edge of the harbour. It didn’t take long for the operations of both foundry and fishing to entwine.