The Lone Ranger
Well-known member
Fletchers Paper Mill – Greenfield – October 2012
I know I was last here in June; but it’s a great place to spend an hour or 2. Haven’t looked at my last report to see what images I used last time, but did try to take ones I knew I didn’t take before, just hope people don’t get bored of seeing Fletchers, as I don’t. Also a brief call at Bailey Mill while in the area.
History
The history of Fletchers as a business can be traced back to 1829 and a company called Ralph Crompton & Nephews Bleachers and Papermakers in Stoneclough. A young Robert Fletcher began working there in 1830 and was quickly promoted, becoming bleaching dept manager and eventually manager of the whole operation.
The last of the Cromptons, Roger, left Fletcher the principal trusteeship and the option of succeeding him in the company. On Crompton's death Fletcher did just this, building the business until his death in 1865 when it passed to his sons John and James Fletcher, who in turn passed it to their sons John Robert and James.
In 1897 the business was incorporated as a Ltd company, employing two hundred staff, eventually rising to around a thousand. The Stoneclough site had seven machines but produced a fraction of the eventual output of the three at Greenfield.
The Greenfield factory opened in 1921 on a site where milling in one form or another can be traced back to 1780, producing first wool then cotton.
Fletchers continued to be successful through to the late 1990's when increased pulp and energy costs combined with a financial downturn saw the business begin to struggle. In 1997 the turnover was around £17m with shareholders funds of £9m. By 1999 this had dropped to £8.2m and £4m respectively. To try to save the business the Stoneclough site was closed in 2000 with the loss of 120 jobs there but the production of 50 more at Greenfield.
This wasn't enough to save Fletchers though, in July 2001 several creditors applied for a winding up order resulting in the overnight closure of the factory.
My Visit
Due to car related problems I was restricted to local stuff today! It was good to meet up with Marsden1012 and introduce him to the delights of Fletchers Mill; I knew he had been trying to get in for a bit so was good to head back.
The site was busier than usual and we were lucky with our few close encounters; especially the last on which we viewed just after we had left, grins on our faces.
Report
I crack on with some photos and drop the waffle (Well I’ll try
)
Shortly after this things started to get interesting, doors were tried from outside and vehicle movement increased; our thought was bugger it as we were in, so we continued with our mooch.
I’m glad we did as the Virginia Creeper was stunning on these windows.
Well that it, a great few hours and nice to meet a new face. Fletchers Mill is vast and every time I go I see something new; unlike Bailey Mill which I visited solo after picking my car up; a real shame to see how trashed it has become, even in the basement. The camera didn't even come out the bag!
Cheers
TLR
I know I was last here in June; but it’s a great place to spend an hour or 2. Haven’t looked at my last report to see what images I used last time, but did try to take ones I knew I didn’t take before, just hope people don’t get bored of seeing Fletchers, as I don’t. Also a brief call at Bailey Mill while in the area.
History
The history of Fletchers as a business can be traced back to 1829 and a company called Ralph Crompton & Nephews Bleachers and Papermakers in Stoneclough. A young Robert Fletcher began working there in 1830 and was quickly promoted, becoming bleaching dept manager and eventually manager of the whole operation.
The last of the Cromptons, Roger, left Fletcher the principal trusteeship and the option of succeeding him in the company. On Crompton's death Fletcher did just this, building the business until his death in 1865 when it passed to his sons John and James Fletcher, who in turn passed it to their sons John Robert and James.
In 1897 the business was incorporated as a Ltd company, employing two hundred staff, eventually rising to around a thousand. The Stoneclough site had seven machines but produced a fraction of the eventual output of the three at Greenfield.
The Greenfield factory opened in 1921 on a site where milling in one form or another can be traced back to 1780, producing first wool then cotton.
Fletchers continued to be successful through to the late 1990's when increased pulp and energy costs combined with a financial downturn saw the business begin to struggle. In 1997 the turnover was around £17m with shareholders funds of £9m. By 1999 this had dropped to £8.2m and £4m respectively. To try to save the business the Stoneclough site was closed in 2000 with the loss of 120 jobs there but the production of 50 more at Greenfield.
This wasn't enough to save Fletchers though, in July 2001 several creditors applied for a winding up order resulting in the overnight closure of the factory.
My Visit
Due to car related problems I was restricted to local stuff today! It was good to meet up with Marsden1012 and introduce him to the delights of Fletchers Mill; I knew he had been trying to get in for a bit so was good to head back.
The site was busier than usual and we were lucky with our few close encounters; especially the last on which we viewed just after we had left, grins on our faces.
Report
I crack on with some photos and drop the waffle (Well I’ll try
)
Shortly after this things started to get interesting, doors were tried from outside and vehicle movement increased; our thought was bugger it as we were in, so we continued with our mooch.
I’m glad we did as the Virginia Creeper was stunning on these windows.
Well that it, a great few hours and nice to meet a new face. Fletchers Mill is vast and every time I go I see something new; unlike Bailey Mill which I visited solo after picking my car up; a real shame to see how trashed it has become, even in the basement. The camera didn't even come out the bag!
Cheers
TLR
