To mark the 170th anniversary of Ashton-based Hill Biscuits, Portland Basin Museum has worked in collaboration with the firm to produce a display to commemorate this event.
In 1855 John and Sarah Hill moved to Ashton from Dukinfield and opened a shop under the name ‘John Hill Grocer’. As the business grew, they bought the confectioners’ shop next door and began producing cakes and biscuits.
By the 1880s all four of their children were employed in the family business. On the 4th of November 1893 Sarah laid the foundation stone of Tudno Mill, which still houses the Hill factory today. The adjoining Ryecroft Mill was acquired in 1982 and in 1983 a breakfast cereal plant making ‘shreddies’ was opened. Another company was formed and called Ryecroft Foods Limited.
Taking the name Hill Biscuits in 1906 the business has gone through various ownerships, including Rowntrees. In May 1980 a management buy in resulted in Hill returning to private ownership.
In 2006 Hill Biscuits celebrated 100 years as a limited company. In 2007 another adjacent building Fern Mill was purchased and demolished to make way for a new warehouse.
Hill Biscuits still make traditional family biscuits and employ approximately 350 people. Recent developments have included producing snack packs and an assorted biscuit tray.
After 7 years of ownership under LDC, Hill Biscuits has recently been acquired by Cerealto UK, providing exciting opportunities and further investment in the Tudno Mill site for the future.
The Hill Biscuits display is at Portland Basin Museum until 7th September.
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