For more than a century, the Slough Trading Estate has been one of Britain’s most productive industrial hubs. From world‑famous chocolate bars to Le Mans‑winning racing cars, the estate has produced an extraordinary range of products that have shaped British culture, global industry, and even motorsport history. Recent exhibitions by Slough Museum and SEGRO highlight just how many iconic items began life here.

1. The Mars Bar and Britain’s Chocolate Classics

Made by: Mars Confectionery (from 1932 onwards) Slough became the first European home of Mars in 1932, and it was here that the Mars Bar was first manufactured — a product that became a British staple. The factory went on to produce many household favourites, including:

• Maltesers (1936)
• Bounty (1950s)
• Twix (1967)
• Snickers/Marathon (renamed 1990)

Mars remains one of Slough’s longest‑standing and most influential manufacturers.

2. The Ford GT40 – Four‑Time Le Mans Winner

Made by: Ford Advanced Vehicles (1964–1969) One of the most celebrated racing cars in history, the Ford GT40, was built on the Slough Trading Estate. The Slough‑built GT40s achieved an unprecedented four consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1966–1969), cementing the estate’s place in motorsport legend. (see also our motorsport page)

3. Thunderbirds – Filmed and Produced in Slough

Made by: AP Films (1960s) The beloved TV series Thunderbirds was created and filmed at APF’s studios on the estate. Props, puppets, sets, and iconic vehicles like Thunderbird 2 were all produced in Slough, making the estate a cornerstone of British television history.

4. Ragus Sugars – A Century of Sweet Production

Made by: Ragus Sugars (since 1928) Ragus, founded by Charles Eastick, has produced specialist sugars and syrups in Slough for 95 years. Their products are used worldwide in baking, brewing, confectionery, and pharmaceuticals.

5. Gillette Safety Razors

Made by: Gillette (mid‑20th century) Gillette operated a major production base on the estate, manufacturing safety razors that became everyday essentials for millions.

6. Horlicks Malt Drink

Made by: Horlicks (Associated British Foods) The famous Horlicks malted drink — a staple of British households — was produced in Slough, contributing to the town’s long association with food manufacturing.

7. Wagon Wheels biscuits

Made by: Weston (Associated British Foods) Another Slough heritage brand, Weston produced popular biscuits that were widely distributed across the UK.

8. Citroën Vehicles

Made by: Citroën UK (mid‑20th century) Citroën assembled vehicles on the estate, contributing to Britain’s post‑war automotive market.

9. Peerless GT Sports Car

Made by: Peerless Cars Ltd (1950s–60s) The Peerless GT, built in Slough, competed at Le Mans 1958, finishing 16th and winning its class — a remarkable achievement for a small British manufacturer. (see also our motorsport page)

10. High Duty Alloys – Components for Concorde and the Harrier

Made by: High Duty Alloys Ltd (from 1927 onwards) This Slough‑based company produced advanced aluminium alloys used in:

• Concorde
• Harrier jump jet
• Tornado
• Rolls‑Royce R engine (Schneider Trophy winner)

Their materials were essential to Britain’s aerospace engineering success.

11. Johnson & Johnson - Medical and Personal Care

Although not all consumer products were manufactured in Slough, the UK site handled packaging, assembly, and distribution for several well‑known brands as the company expanded, including:

• Baby‑care products
• First‑aid items
• Over‑the‑counter health products

Slough’s strategic location near London and major transport routes made it ideal for national distribution.

🏭A Legacy of Innovation

From chocolate bars and malt drinks to racing cars, razors, aircraft alloys, and iconic TV shows, the Slough Trading Estate has produced an astonishing variety of products that have shaped British life and global culture. The estate’s history is not just industrial — it is cultural, technological, and deeply woven into the story of modern Britain.

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Thanks to the Slough u3a Local History Group for their valuable help compiling this page.

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