Industrialist. Born on the family farm of Haining Valley (Muiravonside, West Lothian), Reid began as a shipping clerk in Glasgow. He emigrated to Australia, settling in Melbourne in 1892. He quickly joined a company set up by a friend from Scotland, James Hardie (1851 - 1920). Reid provided energy and vision, and by 1895 was a full partner in the firm. When Hardie retired in 1911, Reid became sole proprietor and his family continued to lead the expanding business until 1995, when his grandson retired.
James Hardie Industries Ltd, was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1951. Today, the company concentrates on fibre-cement building materials, including boarding and siding. Several of these products included asbestos and the company faced considerable liability in relation to health compensation claims from employees. It operates around the Pacific Rim (including North and South America) and in Europe, employing more than 2,500 people, with revenues exceeding AU$1.5 billion per annum.