Athole G. Allen (Stockton)
of Stockton-on-Tees
1928 Manufacturer of T.N.T. and other chemicals at a site formerly known as Stockton Chemical Works, on Bowesfield Lane, Stockton on Tees.
At its peak during the second world war it employed over 500 people.
After the War the company produced barium chloride and iron perchloride. Government contracts for T.N.T. stopped in 1945 but the firm had begun another activity in 1940 which was mining of barytes (mineral barium sulphate) at its own Middleton-in-Teesdale mines (Closehouse & Lunehead).
The firm decided to suspend chemical production in 1952 except for the processing and fine grinding of barytes and witherite (Barium Carbonate). Athole G. Allen then proceeded to convert the surplus 23 acres at Stockton into a light industrial estate. Reports attached show that the owner wasn't too happy with outside influences when the plant was closed.