Report - Pilkington's Glass factory, Kirk Sandall, Doncaster - March 2019

[Terminal Decline]

Brief History
Pilkington's was established in 1826 at St Helen's, Lancashire. Their factory at Kirk Sandall was established in 1922 and has been extended several times over the years. Pilkington's was taken over by the Japanese firm NSG in 2006 and two years later the Doncaster factory was closed, resulting in the loss off over 100 jobs. The site is currently used for the storage of railway sleepers.

The explore
I was up in Yorkshire again to revisit another site which didn't quite go to plan so visited Pilkington's on the way back. I really enjoyed this place and although there is a fair amount of vandalism there was still a fair bit to see although I only just missed out on seeing the workshops which are now half demolished, with the rest of the site likely to soon follow.

main production hall

there was a good bit of old signage scattered around

there several lovely gantry cranes to be found in the buildings

sand tanks

the loading bay

the area below the production hall

]
back-up generator set

remains of an electric motor

the workshops are currently under demolition

torn up remains of the workshop gantry cranes in the scrap heap

one of the two compressor units in a small outbuilding

Thanks for looking

 

[The Amateur Wanderer]

Nothing lasts forever I suppose, very sad to see this though, one of my favourites for sure and my first real hit at mega industry.

The history of the site is phenomenal too, I should really write it up at some point…

 

[HughieD]

Good to see an up-date on this place. Great set of pix there.

 

[Terminal Decline]

The history of the site is phenomenal too, I should really write it up at some point…

I'd love to have a read of that if you do get around to it

 

[tarkovsky]

Always nice to see this, real shame about the workshops though.

 

[Shaun]

guessing by the history that this place is connected to the sandwash in st helens then? nice photos aswell!

 

[Brewtal]

Lovely stuff mate! Ive still not ticked this one off yet. You got some great shots there!

 

[Terminal Decline]

guessing by the history that this place is connected to the sandwash in st helens then?

The firm was established in St Helen's and glass production continues at their factories there

 

[mw0sec]

I see the copper miners have been at work!

 

[Crissisdecon]

Good pictures, I haven't been for a few months... Last time I went they had just demolished the engineering workshop, I hope that is all they are demolishing!
unsure if there is intent to put something in the newly flattened area or if they are flattening more to make space for housing. they also plugged any holes in fences although these were opened up again when I walk past a week after.

 

[MythicalSnapshots]

I am aware not to ask for locations or access but is this place still there or has it been demolished now?

I attempted two visits just before the lockdown, one beingto the old lane mill in Halifax and the other to TMD marshalling yard and both were failures so I am trying to do more research instead of just exploring before driving so far now.

 

[Crissisdecon]

Pretty much demolished now.

 

[MythicalSnapshots]

Thank you for saving my time.