Between 1913 and 1930, Arrol-Johnston manufactured cars in a purpose-built plant at
Heathhall. This architecturally-important building was later occupied by Hunter, making wellington boots, and then became the Gates Rubber Company, which still produces drive belts in an adjacent factory.
In 1935, Carnation opened an evaporated milk factory at Lincluden in the north of the town and this grew to become a substantial plant manufacturing its own cans and as well as milk-based and non-dairy products. The plant was taken over by Nestlé in 1985 and was soon in decline, completely closing in 2000.
The Ministry of Supply built an explosives factory at Cargenbridge in 1939, which was operated by ICI after the Second World War, producing plastics and paint. Although much reduced in size, the plant still manufactures plastic film. The Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary was relocated from within the town to a site adjacent to this plant in 2017.
(1996) The Buildings of Scotland: Dumfries and Galloway.
(2000) Dumfries and Galloway: An Illustrated Architectural Guide.
(1988) Dumfries Story.
(1986) History of Dumfries.
(1996) Exploring Scotland's Heritage: Dumfries and Galloway.
