Horwich grew from a village of under 4,000 people into a town of nearly 13,000 within a single decade, after the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway opened its locomotive works there in 1884.
A works that remade the town
Horwich Works opened in spring 1884 on 142 hectares bought for £36,000, replacing an older works at Miles Platting and becoming a major site for building and maintaining steam locomotives. Its first locomotive, No. 1008, left the works in 1887 and survives today in the National Railway Museum's collection. The works kept building and repairing locomotives until it finally closed in 1983.
A population that grew almost fourfold
In 1881, Horwich's population of 3,761 lived in around 900 houses. By 1891 — just one census later — that had risen to 12,850, one of the sharpest population jumps of Lancashire's railway age.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Horwich's history was built on locomotives, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of Greater Manchester and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Horwich and the rest of Greater Manchester 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 Horwich?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What was Horwich Works?
A Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway locomotive works that opened in 1884 and ran until 1983; its first locomotive, No. 1008, is preserved at the National Railway Museum.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Horwich?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Horwich addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.