The History of Warburtons

Founded in 1876 by Thomas and Ellen Warburton in a small grocery shop in Bolton, Lancashire, Warburtons is now managed and run by three Warburton cousins, Jonathan, Brett and Ross.
The fifth generation of the Warburton family are dedicated to continuing the Warburton family tradition of baking, inherited from over 130 years.

2007 - Warburtons new depot Warburtons new depot in Newton Abbot begins distributing Warburtons products in the South West. And Warburtons enters its 131st year!

2006 - Robert Higginson is appointed as Warburtons Managing Director. Brett Warburton starts his new role as Executive Director.

2005 - Stockton bakery was purchased to meet increased demand in the North of England. Warburtons Super Bakery at Tuscany Park opens and a bakery in Newport, Wales is purchased.

2004 - Warburtons increase production in Scotland with completion of Bellshill phase two. Work begins on the new super bakery in Yorkshire.

2003 - The company expands in the South, opening a bakery in Enfield (North London).

2001 - Warburtons celebrates its 125th anniversary.

2000 - Jonathan Warburton is appointed chairman in March. Warburtons expands further south with a bakery opening in Wednesbury (West Midlands).

1999 - An additional bakery is built in Bolton to produce more special handcrafted style breads.

1998 - Warburtons launches into Scotland with the opening of a bakery in Bellshill.

1995 - Warburtons expand into the West Midlands with the building of a bakery in Eastwood (Nottingham).

1991 - The fifth and current generation of the Warburton family assumes control and Ross Warburton is appointed chairman.

1989 - Warburtons expands the business into the North East by opening a bakery in Newcastle.

1988 - The fourth generation retire from the business.

1984 - Warburtons moved into Yorkshire with the purchasing of a bakery in Wakefield.

1976 - Warburtons celebrates its centenary! 100 years old!

1975 - New bread plant installed at Bolton bakery to increase capacity.

1970’s - The company continued to thrive in to the decade, consolidating the growth over the last 20 years and building new bakeries, starting with Burnley.

1965-By the mid-sixties, the business has grown to four bakeries with continued investment. The famous milk roll is launched (and is still one of the best sellers today).

1950 - Warburtons continues to grow through acquisition of several small bakeries in the North West. Derrick Warburton continues to focus on producing the best quality products, which have remained with us.

1940’s - The business continued to expand with the new ‘state of the art’ bakery equipment, as the fourth generation takes the reins.

1937 - The ‘Model Bakery’ is becoming outdated, so the installation of a new travelling oven helps to revitalise the business.

1930 - A respected local figure, Henry Warburton becomes Mayor of Bolton and chairman of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

1921 - The Warburtons company is incorporated, and the first semi-automatic wrapping machine is installed.

1915 - Henry oversees completion of the family’s first ever purpose - built site: the ‘Model Bakery’.

1897 - Business is booming as the ‘Diamond Jubilee Bakery’ opens near the original Warburtons shop.

1880 - Thomas’s nephew Henry, bringing youth and energy to our bakery business.