Thwaites history

Initially an agricultural machine manufacturer, Thwaites recognised the opportunity for construction products following the end of World war two in 1945.

The Star Brewery was known as the Eanam Brewery until ca.1948.

Ltd acquired in 1949 with about 80 tied houses.

Preston Breweries Ltd acquired in 1955 with 17 pubs when the MD James Mather said they had not been brewing for some time.

Thwaites designed and manufactured the very first site dumper in 1957 providing a breakthrough design and machine which went on to revolutionise construction sites and become a staple solution to this day.

The new brewhouse, built 1966

Launched at the end of the decade, 1979 saw the launch of a significant new product.

At the end of the 1980’s the Thwaites Alldrive 6 ton dumper became the first machine to be turbo-charged.

Yates & Jackson Ltd of Lancaster were acquired in November 1984.

In 1986, Thwaites engineered innovation to its gearbox, producing, manufacturing and installing the very first power shuttle transmission on the Alldrive 5 Tonne.

Launched at SED in 1993.

Thwaites closed the brewery, which was then sold to Mitchells of Lancaster, who brewed there until 1999.

With continued production and customer satisfaction, dumper design was through the 90’s and into the 2000’s driven by legislation and enhanced focus on operator safety, ergonomics and the environment.

Some of the brewery's major brewing assets, including the Lancaster Bomber and Wainwrights brands, were sold to Marstons in 2015, but a 20-barrel plant was retained in Blackburn for smaller-run beers.

In 2017 Thwaites launched a range of 6 ton & 9 ton cabbed dumpers, these dumpers were well received and helped to drive safety standards in the industry.

In September 2018, they commenced brewing at Mellor Brook.