Heaton Chapel - Local Economy

Local Economy

A large biscuit works was opened in 1918 by McVitie and Price, later McVitie's, part of United Biscuits. In this location chocolate covered biscuits such as Penguin biscuits and Jaffa Cakes were (and are ) manufactured.

Crossley Bros. Ltd commenced motor car production in 1906 after several years experience of building engines and by the end of 1916 had already supplied large numbers of tenders to the Royal Flying Corps. In addition, production of Beardmore and Bentley Aero engines was undertaken. Wartime expansion of production had led to the acquisition of premises at High Lane, Heaton Chapel. This subsequently was renamed Crossley Road, and marked the spot where Stockport became Manchester.

In 1917 the factory was adapted to produce De Havilland DH.9 single-engined and DH.10 twin-engined bombers. It was known as the National Aircraft Factory No. 2, employed 2,500 people and was managed by Crossley Motors Limited. About 450 DH9s and seven DH10s were completed before production ceased after the Armistice.

In 1934 the factory was acquired by Mr (later Sir) Richard Fairey, who wanted additional factory space to produce aircraft ordered under the UK's re-armament programme. Thus Fairey Aviation was based on Crossley Road next to the railway line.

The factory manufactured the Fairey Hendon, Battle, Fulmar and Barracuda and reconditioned Swordfishes. Fairey's also built, under sub-contract, over 660 Handley Page Halifaxes and nearly 500 Bristol Beaufighters. Heaton Chapel had design staff and manufacturing capacity. Assembly was at Barton Aerodrome for a short period then at RAF Ringway from June 1937 onwards.

In 1946 the company diversified into the Nuclear industry, forming Fairey Stainless.

In 1951 the FD1, Fairey Delta 1, was built here. On 10 March 1956, the Fairey Delta 2, with Heaton Chapel components, broke the World Air Speed Record at 1820 km/h (1132 mph).

From 1954, the Gannet naval aircraft was built here.

In 1986 Fairey Engineering was taken over by Williams Holdings and became Williams Fairey Engineering Ltd. It is now known as WFEL. The Air Portable Ferry Bridge (APFB) is a lightweight 40 metre bridge that can be transported to site in a C130 aircraft, and erected by 8 engineers in 90 minutes. It is in use in Iraq and Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Fairey Aviation sponsored the Fairey Brass Band, who hold rehearsals in Heaton Chapel.