History

Holchem Laboratories Ltd was founded in 1982 by Steve and Anne Bell at their home in Holcombe Brook, Bury. After over a decade working in the specialist cleaning chemical industry for a large US multinational, Mr Bell saw a gap in the market for a company supplying into the UK Food and Beverage industries that not only manufactured high quality products but could also provide unrivalled levels of customer service. By 1985, the company bought its first manufacturing site in Ramsbottom; a facility the company retained until 1992.

With turnover approaching £2.5m, the company relocated to Haslingden. Over the next few years, sales increased significantly as the industry recognized Holchem as a significant provider to the market not only in the UK but also Ireland. By 1999 a second factory was commissioned at the Haslingden site to allow continued expansion of the business. This facility included new laboratory facilities, as the company recognised the importance of product development to the future growth plans. The company also expanded its operations into the catering and hospitality markets, utilizing the same philosophy that had been so successful to the food and beverage markets.

By 2002, the company’s turnover exceeded £10 million and by 2005 a third facility in Haslingden was in operation. The two sites on Grane Road were manufacturing the products whilst the third facility on the Carrs Industrial Estate was a distribution warehouse.

During this decade, Holchem began exporting their products via reputable distributors who would support the customer at all costs, very much in the way that Steve Bell envisaged. Holchem products are now available in the Baltic States, Malta and Poland.

With turnover approaching £21 million by 2009, a fourth unit was leased as further space was required to store more finished goods. Still a family owned business, headed by the founder’s son, Simon Bell as Managing Director, and Sam Hardman, the founders daughter, as Director, the company has grown for 29 successive years since its inception back in 1982.

Due to continued growth, by 2013 the company will relocate to a single 9 acre site in Bury; currently under redevelopment. This will bring all Holchem operations together for the first time since 1999.