Phoenix Foundry

The Phoenix Foundry was a company that built steam locomotives and other industrial machinery in the city of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

[2] The company was established by iron-founder William Shaw, moulder Robert Holden, and engine-smiths Richard Carter and George Threlfall.

The business prospered, and by November 1861 it employed 96 men, producing a wide range of products.

Modernisation of the works was carried out after Shaw visited Britain in 1871 and 1885, with the workshops becoming the most advanced in the southern hemisphere.

[4] Problems arose in 1889 when Shaw attempted to enforce a non-union shop, which resulted in conflict with the employees.