Ashley Engineering announces £1m expansion with acquisition of mill

An exciting new phase of growth for Oswaldtwistle based Ashley Engineering is in the works with the acquisition of the neighbouring Stonebridge Mill, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion.

The £1m project will allow Ashley Engineering to broaden its operational capacity while also creating new opportunities for the local business community. Plans for the site include the development of smaller industrial units on the ground floor, specifically designed to support start-ups and emerging enterprises.

This investment not only strengthens Ashley Engineering’s presence in the Oswaldtwistle area but also brings new life to a site rich in industrial heritage.

Ashley Engineering employs 11 people.

Ashley Rowbottom, managing director at Ashley Engineering said: "This is an important step forward for our business.

"Stonebridge Mill is not only a valuable addition to our operational footprint, but also a fantastic opportunity to support local small businesses.

"By creating flexible industrial units, we hope to encourage new businesses to establish themselves and grow within the area, while preserving the rich heritage of the site."

The expansion reinforces Ashley Engineering’s commitment to investing in the local economy and supporting the next generation of industry.

Ashley Engineering are an independent family owned and run business established in 1961.

With over 50 years experience, we offer the combination of Zinc and Aluminium diecastings from our foundry together with bespoke tool design and manufacture, and comprehensive in-house finishing facilities, serving the automotive, defence, rail and aerospace industries.

Stonebridge Mill has a long and varied history dating back to around 1795, when it was originally built as a water-powered carding and spinning mill by Benjamin Walmsley of Rough Hey.

Over the years, the mill has adapted to meet the changing needs of industry, serving as a madder grinding mill for Foxhill Printworks following Walmsley’s death, and later being used for soap making, chemical manufacturing, and heald production.

The mill also has strong ties to the local textile industry and was once part of the wider Walmsley family cotton manufacturing enterprise, predating the development of Moscow Mills.

Powered by water from Tinker Brook, the site historically drove an internal water wheel and housed carding frames and spinning mules across its two floors and attic.

In more recent history, the building became a cardboard tube manufacturing facility operated by the McFarlane family.

It was later owned by nearby Oswaldtwistle Mills, where it was used for cone winding and beaming operations. In a notable chapter of its story, the mill was eventually exchanged by Oswaldtwistle Mills for a tape sizing machine from Three Brooks Mill.

Ashley Engineering’s acquisition represents a new chapter for the historic site, blending its industrial legacy with modern innovation.

Local MP Sarah Smith visited the site to hear the plans and view the mill.

She added: “Ashley Engineering’s expansion into Stonebridge Mill is a fantastic vote of confidence in Hyndburn’s future.

"It’s especially encouraging to see plans that not only grow an established local business but also create opportunities for start-ups and small enterprises. Bringing new life to a historic mill like this, while supporting jobs and innovation, is exactly the kind of investment our community needs.”