The modern millwright installs, repairs, and maintains factory machinery, and may also lend their services in pumping stations, power plants, and other industrial settings. Their trade combines skills utilized by machinists, mechanics, masons, welders, and carpenters, making milling work a versatile and sought-after specialty. Their role hasn’t always looked like this, however. The history of the millwright extends back to the 12th century. Here’s a look at how the field has evolved over time. 

The Earliest Millwrights

Millwrights are believed to have first appeared in Europe during the 1300s. These skilled laborers produced handmade mills, over which water flowed to create power. Eventually, these water-powered mills were used to grind flour and power large equipment in America during the early 1700s, but the mills were replaced by steam-powered engines just half a century later. 

The need for millwrights didn’t die with the water mill, however. They played a pivotal role in the construction and design of bridges and canals during the Industrial Revolution, as well as the manufacturing equipment that’s still widely used in factories today. 

Milestone Projects

While countless milling projects have helped boost the U.S. economy throughout the ages, there are two which had a large impact. The Wyman Dam, located in Maine, became the largest damn in the eastern U.S., and helped provide jobs for workers during the Great Depression. It also provided power for businesses in the textile and paper industries, further securing jobs for people seeking work. 

Millwrights also contributed to the development of the water mills in Paterson, NJ, allowing it to become the first industrialized city in the U.S. during the 1800s. The mills channeled power from the Passaic Rivers’ Great Falls, funneling it into silk production and thus earning the city the moniker the “Silk City.” 

Milling Work Today

Today, millwrights have versatile skills, including the ability to install and fix machines in a broad range of settings. They help guide installation by ensuring machines have a secure spot for operation, and may physically aid in the machine’s assembly. 

When something goes wrong, they can diagnose and repair components as needed, drawing on their knowledge of pneumatics, electricity, and hydraulics. They may also be required to perform welding to fix or assemble machinery. Machine components can range in size from small, precision parts to large parts weighing hundreds or thousands of pounds.

If you’re seeking skilled milling services to repair components in your machines, turn to Wilson Machine & Welding. This trusted company has been serving Cordova, AL, since 1972 and specializes in a range of services, including milling and welding. See their list of services online or call (205) 648-3203 to discuss your needs with a team member.