Treforest Aerated Water Factory (CWS)

This collection consists of 2 Staff Wage Ledgers 1939-1961 for the CWS Tresforest Aerated Water Factory, Wales.

The Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) was formed in 1863 to supply goods to co-operative societies throughout the U.K. The CWS became one of the largest co-operative organisations in the UK, and changed its name in 2001 to The Co-operative Group. It began in small premises in Manchester and grew to occupy a large part of the city centre to house its offices, warehouses and salerooms. It produced the famous CWS Brand goods to co-operative societies throughout the UK and had hundreds of factories throughout the country. These included factories producing food, furniture, clothing and household products.

In mid 1939 Treforest Aerated Water Factory became the fourth CWS aerated water factory to be set up. The other three being at Middleton, Nottingham and Brislington. It was based at Treforest Estate, Glamorganshire, South Wales and produced non-alcoholic refreshments. This factory closed down in the late 1980s.

Sources: 'Co-op, the people's business' by Johnston Birchall, 'The CWS in War and Peace 1938 - 1976' by Sir William Richardson.

The collection is open to any accredited reader, subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Some files in this collection are subject to Data Protection legislation as they contain sensitive information and material under 30 years old is closed to access. It is advised that you contact the Archivist before visiting.

The collection was donated to the National Co-operative Archive by Barbara Lewandowski August 1999

No other finding aids exist

Catalogued by Hannah Howrie volunteer at the National Co-operative Archive, Feb 2010.

Copies may be supplied for research purposes, subject to the completion of a declaration form. Please consult the Archivist regarding copyright issues.

Originally housed at the Aerated Water Factory, Treforest Estate, South Wales. When this factory was closed in the late 1980s the records were passed onto Tony Lewandowski, accountant at the CWS Soft Drink Factory in Middleton. The collection was donated to the National Co-operative Archive 10 Aug 1999 by Barbara Lewandowski, wife of Tony.

None expected