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REWIND: pictures from Wigan's Heinz and Uncle Joe's factories in the 1970s and '80s

By Charles Graham

Published 31st Aug 2023, 04:55 GMT

Two of Wigan’s most famous employers are HJ Heinz and Wm Santus and Co, makers of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls. Both have long connections with Wigan and here are some pictures from our library taken of the two workplaces and their staff in decades past.

They date from the 1970s and ’80s.

. At work in the Uncle Joe's factory on Dorning Street in 1971. Production techniques have changed little since then

. Photo: sub

. Princess Anne visits the Heinz factory in 1986

. Photo: Gary Brunskill

. Retirements from the Heinz factory in 1981

. Photo: Gary Brunskill

RETRO 1971 A documentary film crew arrive at Wigan's Heinz factory in May 1971.

. A documentary film crew arrives at Wigan's Heinz factory in May 1971.

RETRO 1971 A documentary film crew arrive at Wigan's Heinz factory in May 1971. Photo: UGC

. Scientists in the Heinz laboratories in 1978

. Photo: SUBMITTED

. Uncle Joe's Mint Ball factory staff with some of the finished products in 1971

. Photo: sub

13. Female employees play netball in the 1980s at the Heinz factory

. Photo: Frank Orrell

14. A Heinz factory annual Christmas party for employees' children in the 1980s

. Photo: gb

Uncle Joe Wigan

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