The leading architectural manufacturer, Shaw’s of Darwen was founded in 1897 by A.G. Shaw. It moved to its present site in 1908 to exploit the local clay deposits in Waterside near Hoddlesden. Shaw’s produced glazed bricks, terracotta and faience and in 1924 fireclay sanitaryware was introduced. It soon became Darwen’s largest employer with over 600 staff on its 26 acre site. Over the years Shaws’ expertise has been sought such prestigious buildings as Harrods, the Savoy Hotel, the Natural History Museum and the recently constructed Reebok Stadium. In 1995 Shaw’s was acquired by Shires Ltd. Since then, a major expansion programme has continued with the increase in popularity of the Belfast Sink. Shaw’s currently employs over 100 people and looks forward to the future with great optimism and the opportunity to serve the construction industry for another 100 years. |
