A J Caley Ltd

Business reminiscence page

1857: In this year Mr A J Caley arrived in the city of Norwich, Norfolk and set up a Chemist's business - in London Street.
1863: Mr Caley he extended by selling mineral waters in a cellar in the shop.
1864: The business moved to Bedford Street.
1878: With a rapidly growing business, Mr Caley's son, Edward J Caley joined his father.
1880: Premises in Chapel Field were acquired. Drinks on offer, at the time were:
soda, Ginger beer, lemonade, Iron water, mineral water and Selzer etc.
1883: In and endeavour to keep his workers employed during the winter months (due to the seasonal nature of the sale of mineral waters) Mr Caley turned to the manufacture of cocoa.
1886: The manufacture of cocoa leads to the manufacture of chocolate!
1890: A new, large, factory was built due to the success of the mineral water business - they were even used by Members of the House of Commons and of the Royal family.
1896: A J Caley retires.
1897: Mr Caley senior dies and Frederick W Caley joins the business.
1898: To keep workers employed, work commenced on the manufacture of crackers.
1904: By this year, manufactured chocolates and crackers were being sold all over the world and about 700 people were employed in the factory. About this time it was realised there was a problem with the quality of the chocolate being sold. Swiss chocolate being imported was found to be far better quality due to the quality of the milk being used. A Contract was drawn up with a Mr Garrett Taylor to supply milk from his herd of 'red poll' cattle. As a result of this move, Caley's chocolate became the preferred purchase and became widely famed.
1914: During the War, Caley's chocolate was given to the Troops and proved very popular - it was called 'Caley's Marching' chocolate.
1918: The African and Eastern Trade Corporation bought the family business.
1932: The business was again sold - to John Mackintosh & Sons Ltd of Halifax. The Purchase price was £138,000.
1937: The first pack of the famous 'Rolo' was made in Norwich.
1942: A major fire was caused, following an incendiary attack during the Second World War. The factory was totally destroyed!
1946: Re-building work commenced and production, albeit limited, began again this year.
1949: The first part of the re-building was completed.
1952: The re-building work was finally complete
1956: The Duchess of Kent formally re-opened the factory and offices.
1957: 'Week-end' and 'Munchies' were first produced.
1960: 'Caramac' and 'Good News Assortment' were first produced. The mineral water part of the business was sold to a local brewery. The Christmas cracker business was taken over by Caleys Crackers Ltd - later became Tom Smith & Company Ltd.
1969: The Mackintosh and Rowntree businesses were amalgamated and this led to the Company's products being highly regarded, the world over.