A New Beginning for Standard Fireworks
It is an emotional yet exciting time for Standard and Black Cat Fireworks. Earlier this month, we closed the doors of our distribution site in Huddersfield. Furthermore, this site has been home to Standard Fireworks for 113 years. However, we look forward with excitement to what comes next.
Our History in Huddersfield
James Greenhalgh established Standard Fireworks in 1891. He was a Yorkshire wholesale draper and always the entrepreneur. Greenhalgh spotted an opportunity to sell fireworks through his drapery business in the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night. Outworkers – usually local coal miners supplementing their income – made the early fireworks. Supplies also arrived from China by sea and came into Huddersfield by barge.
Continued success led to the birth of a fireworks manufacturing business. In 1905, the business moved to the Crosland Hill site in Huddersfield. The site covered over 100 acres. Initially an old stone quarry, it provided the space required for making fireworks. It also had purpose-built gunpowder stores from the quarrying business. During the 1980s and 1990s, Standard Fireworks became a major employer in Yorkshire with a 500-strong workforce.
In 1998, Li & Fung purchased Standard Fireworks. As a result, the company became part of Black Cat Fireworks – part of the largest fireworks manufacturer in the world. All firework production moved to China. Since 1998, the Huddersfield site served as the UK headquarters for Black Cat Fireworks. The team coordinated sales, logistics, warehousing, technical data, marketing and design from the on-site office. Over the years, the team worked tirelessly to keep Standard Fireworks the leading family favourite firework brand in the UK. They also developed the Black Cat Fireworks brand into one of the best in the UK independent sales market.
Our New Home in York
As we say goodbye to our Crosland Hill site, the team now looks forward to a bright future. Our new 50,000 square foot warehousing premises at Dunnington, York provides seven interconnected warehouse buildings. This facility will serve as the base for all future distribution. Following the successful licensing and assent process, all stock and equipment has already moved to the new site in York. You can shop our full range online with free midweek delivery across England, Scotland and Wales.
Going Out With a Bang
To celebrate this huge moment in the history of the business, the fireworks team held a party for all staff and their families on Thursday, April 27. In true Standard and Black Cat style, they had to go out with a bang.
There was food, drinks, laughter, history and – of course – fireworks. It was wonderful to see colleagues and their families across different generations come together. They shared memories and looked forward to a bright new future together.
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