From the 1860s the works was served by a major railway after the Whifflet Line between Glasgow and Coatbridge was constructed directly to the south of the site. Ironstone was obtained from Monklands and coal from local pits across Lanarkshire such as in Carmyle and Cambuslang via connecting industrial railway lines, until the supply from those sources was eventually exhausted. "Miners row" cottages were also built for workers near to the iron works and the pits.
