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History of Fourstones

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History of Fourstones

1763

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The beginning

Papermaking on the Fourstones site, set alongside the river South Tyne in the heart of Northumberland, was first carried out by William Charnley, a Newcastle bookseller, in 1763. Originally called Warden Paper Mill, hand-made paper was produced for the book making industry in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

1840

First machinery installed

The first paper making machine was installed in the 1840s and, although it has been modified and partially rebuilt over the years, it still remains installed in the paper mill museum to this day.

1860

First name change

The name of the company was changed to South Tyne Paper Mill in the late 1860s.

1907

Fourstones Paper Mill Company incorporated

The company finally became Fourstones Paper Mill Company Limited on its incorporation as a limited company in 1907.

1962

Original Paper Machine commissioned

Over the years there have been many changes in the grades of paper produced and the technology employed in the paper mill. Everything from printing and writing paper, to cardboard and even blackout paper have been produced. From 1962 until it' decommissioning in 1975 the original paper machine produced blotting paper, filter paper and other absorbent grades.

1970

Warden Dressings established

In the 1970s a converting division, Warden Dressings, was established to produce underpads for incontinence.

1989

Warden Dressings expansion

Such was the success of Warden Dressings a satellite converting operation was established in Haydon Bridge in 1989. The Warden Dressings division of the company is today the largest manufacturer of cellulose wadding underpads in the UK.

2000

Takeover and Investment

Following G.T. Mandl's death the company was sold to the management of the mill in a MBO in February 2000. A period of substantial investment, not only in upgrading the paper machine and converting plant, but also extensive product development and innovation, has followed, including the formation of the Disposables Division of the company.

2016

The Future

The Fourstones Group is growing rapidly into new product areas. The current success of the company is based on listening to our customers’ needs and reacting to them. Our bespoke service, tailored to individual customer needs, is unrivalled in our industry. Our team of motivated, experienced and highly skilled employees continue to drive the business forward. Talk to us about your requirements. We are sure that you will be pleasantly surprised by our response.