Barrhead's name might not ring a bell everywhere, but one of the companies built there did, turning up in bathrooms around the world.
A plumber's shop that became a global brand
In 1853, John Shanks opened a plumber's shop in Barrhead and began manufacturing brass fittings for piped water and sewage systems, opening a brass foundry in the town centre in 1866. The firm later built its own pottery and a large works on Blackbyres Road, at its peak employing over a thousand people, before merging with Armitage in 1969 to become Armitage Shanks.
Older roots: an Iron Age hillfort and a 10th-century cross
Long before the factories, the area already had history: the remains of an Iron Age hillfort stand at nearby Duncarnock, and the ancient Arthurlie Cross, believed to date to the 10th century, still survives from the earliest recorded settlement.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Barrhead's history is built on foundries and ancient crosses, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of East Renfrewshire and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Barrhead and the rest of East Renfrewshire included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Barrhead?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What's Barrhead's connection to Armitage Shanks?
John Shanks opened a plumber's shop here in 1853, which grew into the sanitaryware firm that became Armitage Shanks in 1969.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Barrhead?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Barrhead addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.