After joining the firm as an apprentice draughtsman in 1862 at the age of 15, William James PIRRIE soon became its chief architect and, in 1874, was admitted to the partnership. On the death of Sir E. J. HARLAND in 1896 and the retirement of G. W. WOLFF in 1906, W. J. PIRRIE became chairman, controlling the company.

Under his planning and management, the shipyard was modernized from 1906 to 1908. Two enlarged slipways, Nos. 2 and 3, were built on an area previously occupied by 3 slipways. A huge gantry spanning the two new slipways was erected, covering an area of 252 meters by 72 meters.

The construction of the two new slipways was the result of an agreement between Lord W. J. PIRRIE and Joseph Bruce ISMAY, Chairman of the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company Ltd, owner and operator of the ships of the great White Star Line.

Since the first Oceanic was built in 1871, H. & W. had been building W. S. L. ships. The freighters and ocean liners all bore the hallmark of the honest builder and owner. They contributed immensely to making W. S. L. a respected name throughout the maritime world.