Company History - The 18th Century

The development of the Black Country industries could not have occurred had it not been possible to contain the metals within a high temperature environment. All furnaces and hearths were lined with firebricks to retain the heat, and the local clay was particularly suitable for a variety of uses, from Blast Furnaces to Glass Kilns.

Fire clay was sourced from layers contained within coal seams. It was mined from local pits, being brought to the surface in slab form and 'weathered'.

In 1739 the Old Side Works was opened in Amblecote by the Earl of Stamford and Warrington. This works appears to be the first recorded example of a large purpose-built firebrick factory in the area.