View of Laboratory No. 4 at the Crompton & Knowles Research Center in Gibraltar, Pennsylvania. The photograph shows a typical laboratory layout, including bench arrangement for easy access to the outward-opening door. At right is a stirring rack designed by the Althouse Chemical Company for the manufacture and testing of dyestuffs.

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Crompton & Knowles initially specialized in the manufacture of textile machinery and diversified its business with the purchase of the Althouse Chemical Company in 1954. The purchase of Althouse laid the foundation for Crompton & Knowles' manufacture of specialty dyestuffs for a variety of industries and applications, including paper, leather, printing ink, and heat transfer printing establishments, in addition to the textile and garment industry.