London Shoes received an e-mail last week from one of its followers in Australia, who enquired as to whether I knew anything about the old sweet factory that used to be located in Forest Gate–London E7 – as his grandfather had once worked there, and as a child, he remembers his grandad telling him countless stories about the place and the process of sweet making, back in the old days.
Now – I know the Forest Gate area very well indeed, having grown up just a mile or so down the road in Ilford, but I didn’t know anything about this sweet factory being referred
to – and so I thought I would do a little bit of research to see what I could come up with – and what an interesting ‘find’ it turned out to be.

(image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)
So – this week’s publication onto the London Shoes website-Facebook & Twitter feed is all about the history of the old ‘Trebor’ sweet factory in Forest Gate–London E7.
I unearthed so much interesting historic stuff whilst researching this particular article that I have enough material to publish a history of Forest Gate blog in its own right – so I have now added that topic to my ever increasing ‘To Do List’, so watch-this-space for that one, coming up soon.
So – returning to this ‘sweet factory’ enquiry I received from Oz – my research (mostly referencing the excellent ‘The Trebor Story’-www.e7nowandthen.org) uncovered the following.
In 1907 a group of 4 east London ‘sweet makers’ got together to form a business manufacturing confectionary – and to do this they built a factory on the corner of Katherine Road & Shaftsbury Road in Forest Gate–London E7.
The business initially traded as ‘Robertson & Woodcock’ (the names of 2 of the founders) – and it would buy sugar from the massive Tate & Lyle foundry in nearby Canning Town – then transport it to their factory in Forest Gate, where the sugar would be boiled-up to make the confectionary on-site.
In 1915 ‘Robertson & Woodcock’ became one of the very first manufacturing businesses in London to use ‘motorised’ transport for their collections and deliveries.
During WW1 the business was badly affected by sugar rationing – but they played to their market by manufacturing confectionary products specifically aimed at the troops (e.g. their very popular ‘Army & Navy Paregoric Tablets’) and they also started producing a new design of sweets known as the pear drop, pineapple drops & mixed fruit drops.
Only 4 days after the end of WW1 the company changed its name from Robertson & Woodcock to “Trebor”.

(image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)
It is believed by some that the name ‘Trebor’ came about by reversing the first name of one of its founders ‘Robert’ Robertson – others say that the company was named ‘Trebor’ because the Forest Gate factory was situated next to a row of Victorian terraced residential houses in ‘Trebor Terrace’.
Following the end of WW1 and the lifting of sugar rationing, the ‘Trebor’ business grew rapidly – and by 1920 they yet again became one of Britain’s most innovative production companies, by going ‘electric’ which brought an end to their hand-production process.
The company made several trips to Germany to find out about new automated mechanisation and production techniques – and then came back and incorporated these into the Forest Gate factory – an activity that didn’t always go down too well with some of the folks back home, who felt that they were fraternising with the ‘enemy’ – but this new mechanisation was pivotal to the company’s increased production and output.
‘Trebor’ were also one of the first companies to produce products from compressed compounded powders, which removed the need for the messy and time consuming process of boiling sugar.
In 1930 the Trebor Factory in Forest Gate was re-built to a distinctive ‘art-deco’ design – making it a prominent and well known landmark in London’s east end.
In 1935 the Trebor factory produced and launched the iconic ‘Refreshers’ sweet – which went on to be a best seller for many decades.
In 1937 the Trebor factory produced and launched its new ‘Extra Strong Mints’ – which is another best seller, even today.
At the same time, Trebor became one of the very first companies to adopt a new commercialism technique by linking a product to the film industry, when it paid just £150 to buy the rights from Disney for Snow White – and produced and launched it’s ‘Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs’ sweets.
Trebor were so successful that production at the Forest Gate factory was reaching full capacity, and so in 1937 the company purchased another factory up in Chesterfield up in Derbyshire.

(image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)
With the clouds of the possibility of WW2 gathering over Europe, Trebor felt that it had made sense to have a 2nd factory up north, as it was less likely than London to be damaged and production halted, should Britain ever be attacked from the air.
When WW2 eventually broke out, production at Forest Gate was hit badly yet again by national sugar rationing, but that was nothing compared to the ‘hit’ it took from a German bomb in 1944, which severely damaged the factory warehouse, but fortunately not too much of the mechanical production line.
The factory was left in a right old state structurally following the bombing, and the local police had to maintain a guard over it at all times, to prevent the many looters that had tried to gain entry to ‘alf-inch’ the sugar supplies.
However, the Trebor company at Forest Gate (and now also Chesterfield) continued to adopt innovative forward thinking business methods by launching sickness & benefit schemes for its employees, along with a company pension scheme and profit sharing scheme. It also introduced new industrial initiatives such as ‘time & motion’ studies and statistics, to improve production output.
Not long after WW2, the Trebor factory in Forest Gate was painted white, with a huge “Trebor Quality Sweets” branding displayed in green on its exterior.
With production in full swing, Trebor bought up many other smaller confectionary companies – and in 1950 it built a new headquarters just up the road at Clayhall in Ilford.
However, as the decades progressed the inevitable happened, as it usually does – and in 1989 the Trebor business was eventually taken over by the giant global confectioners “Cadbury’s” – which saw the slow eventual demise of production at the Forest Gate factory.
Sadly, in 1981 the Trebor factory in Forest Gate closed down completely.
At its peak the Trebor brand were knocking out a stunning total of 452 products – but today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand :- ‘Extra Strong Mints’ – ‘Soft Mint-Spearmint’ – ‘Soft Mints-Peppermint’ – ‘Max Gum-Berry Fruit/Spearmint’ – their famously popular ‘Refreshers’ product is now produced by Barrett’s.
However – the story didn’t end with the closure of the factory, as the Trebor premises at the corner of Katherine Road & Shaftsbury Road in Forest Gate is ‘still’ standing and in use to this very day, but for something completely different than making sweets.
After closure in 1981, over a period of time it was converted into 65 luxury flats and 2 penthouse apartments – which are now valued from £350K to £500K – The penthouses provide a stunning panoramic view of nearby Docklands and the Greenwich Peninsular – and so the legacy that was once Trebor still lives on in the area.
Anyway – having experienced a bit of a ‘sugar rush’ by standing a bit too close to the old Trebor Factory, I thought it best to calm my nerves down a bit by having a quick beer, before hopping on the train for the short journey back home.
So – I sought out one of Forest Gate’s local pubs, and found myself in ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub in Upton Lane, just off the historic Romford Road, for the purpose of necking down a mandatory ‘cheeky’ one.
This Weatherspoon’s pub only opened in 1999, and is built on the site of an old Co-Op supermarket.
However, the history behind its ‘name’ is very much relevant and specific to Forest Gate.
You may be thinking what the hell has a historically iconic institution such as the “Hudson Bay Company” got to do with a run-of-the-mill east-end boozer.
Well – interestingly the pub’s named is connected to one ‘Sir John Pelly’ who was the governor of the globally renowned ‘Hudson Bay Company’.
Sir John Pelly was a Forest Gate ‘local’ as he owned a massive amount of the land in the Forest Gate district throughout the 18th & 19th Centuries – and he was made ‘First Baronet of Upton’ by Queen Elizabeth in 1840.
In 1670 the Hudson Bay Company was given a royal charter by King Charles II in 1670, and made huge profits for Britain from selling imported furs and skins it had obtained by trading with North American Indians.
Today, several places in Northern Canada bear the Governor’s name, including Pelly Mountain, Pelly River and Pelly Lake – and locally, there are numerous street name and building references to this local lad who was often referred to as the un-crowned ‘King of Canada’, and basically individually instrumental in the creation of Canada as a British Colony.
Throughout ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub there are many references to Sir John Pelly and his remarkable historic achievements.
And as well as Sir John Pelly, there was also a pictorial reference to the ‘Trebor’ factory.
So – all in all an interesting little day out, and I only hope that London Shoes ‘findings’ now leave the initial enquirer from Oz, a little bit more informed than perhaps he was before – and who knows, there may be others reading this particular ‘Shoes’ posting, who may have a past connection or memories of the Trebor factory, and enjoy finding out a little bit more about it.
Hope you enjoy the accompanying photos.
Published below are more detailed photographs of this ‘Trebor Factory’ blog

At its peak the Trebor brand were knocking out a stunning total of 452 products – but today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand. In 1937 the Trebor factory produced and launched its new ‘Extra Strong Mints’ – which is another best seller, even today.

The Trebor factory on the corner of Shaftesbury Road & Katherine Road-Forest Gate-London E7 (image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)

The same shot as above – but as of today – where the Trebor factory is now home to residential luxury apartments

It is believed by some that the name ‘Trebor’ came about by reversing the first name of one of its founders ‘Robert’ Robertson – others say that the company was named ‘Trebor’ because the Forest Gate factory was situated next to a row of Victorian terraced residential houses in ‘Trebor Terrace’. (image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)

Not long after WW2, the Trebor factory in Forest Gate was painted white, with a huge “Trebor Quality Sweets” branding displayed in green on its exterior.

A view of the old Trebor factory in Forest Gate-E7 – as it is today

A view of the old Trebor factory in Forest Gate-E7 – as it is today

In 1935 the Trebor factory produced and launched the iconic ‘Refreshers’ sweet – which went on to be a best seller for many decades.

In 1937 the Trebor factory produced and launched its new ‘Extra Strong Mints’ – which is another best seller, even today. (image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)

An old b&w aerial view of the Forest Gate Trebor factory in its heyday (image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)

The original chimney of the Trebor factory can still be seen today

The old Trebor factory is now home to residential luxury apartments

Me – underneath the Trebor braiding that was added to the building following the cessation of WW2

The Trebor factory in Forest Gate took a ‘hit’ from a German bomb in 1944, which severely damaged the factory warehouse, but fortunately not too much of the mechanical production line. The factory was left in a right old state structurally following the bombing, and the local police had to maintain a guard over it at all times, to prevent the many looters that had tried to gain entry to ‘half-inch’ the sugar supplies. (image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)

A close-up of one of the 2 luxury penthouse apartments – constructed within the old Trebor factory in Forest Gate

The story of the Trebor factory is so important to local history – that there is even a book published about it. (image courtesy of The Trebor Story-www.e7nowandthen.org)

At its peak the Trebor brand were knocking out a stunning total of 452 products – but today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand :- ‘Extra Strong Mints’ – ‘Soft Mint-Spearmint’ – ‘Soft Mints-Peppermint’ – ‘Max Gum-Berry Fruit/Spearmint’ – their famously popular ‘Refreshers’ product is now produced by Barrett’s.

Today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand – this one of them

Today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand – this is another of them

Today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand – this is yet another of them

Today there are just 4 main products that bear their brand – this is yet another of them

A close-up of the Trebor braiding – added to the re-built art-deco style factory just after WW2

‘The Hudson Bay’ pub in Upton Lane, just off the historic Romford Road part of Forest Gate-London E7 – for the purpose of necking down a mandatory ‘cheeky’ one. This Weatherspoon’s pub only opened in 1999, and is built on the site of an old Co-Op supermarket.

Me – outside ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub – Forest Gate-London E7

Another view of ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub – Forest Gate-London E7

Throughout ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub there are many references to Sir John Pelly and his remarkable historic achievements

Another of the many references within ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub commemorating local lad Sir John Pelly and his remarkable historic achievements

Another of the many references within ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub commemorating local lad Sir John Pelly and his remarkable historic achievements

In ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub – there is even a commemorative reference to the local ‘Trebor’ factory 🙂

Me – neckin’ down a ‘cheeky’ one – in ‘The Hudson Bay’ pub – Forest Gate-London E7
Another “corker”, Mr C, and a subject close to my heart….. Always had a terrible “sweet tooth”. I loved Refreshers as a kid and I can’t begin to calculate the number of tubes of soft mints and extra strongs sat on my desk to help me through the days at Barclays! And…… I still remember our parody of the ad they had on TV for many years when we were kids .. “Trebor mints are a minty bit stronger – Stick ’em up your bum and they last a bit longer”. I don’t think Trebor ever actually adopted that as an official ad though! 😂 😂 😂
(You’re singing it now, though, aren’t you? 😂 😂 😂)
Excellent, I remember supplying Trebor with staff when I started my Career in Recruitment at an agency in Ilford. They used to need packers and always lots of account clerks if I remember. Those days there where numerous manufacturers in East London who were also good employers – Good times.
Very interesting as usual
I think I prefer the idea of the name coming from Robert.
Yes yes yes I knew all that Geoff. Actually no I didn’t. Brilliant
I knew all that ( oh no you didn’t!) although I grew up in the same area as you went to the same school etc etc I sometimes think I was in a parallel universe with some of the fascinating things you write about the London I thought I knew so well!
My older cousins both worked there, and used to bring us Trebor sweets whenever they visited.
I remember it all so well … I went to Shaftesbury Junior Boys school right next to the factory. The school playground is in the shadow of the big chimney.
Years later I dated a girl who lived opposite the factory … her dad was a foreman in there so commuting was dead simple!
When the factory was in Woodford my mum was the cleaner for the owner. She was always bringing home tins of sweets.
That site is now the home of Mulalleys.
Hi Tony – Thank you for sharing your personal experiences of the old Trebor factory production
Here I am sitting in post quarantine East London utterly fascinated by the history of our area.
I grew up in Bristol Road just opposite the factory. I had no idea it had such a rich history. Hell, I never even thought for a second that the mints I was having originated from around the corner!
Thanks for putting in all this effort in providing us with an insight into our colorful history.
You’re more than welcome Majid – really pleased that you enjoyed my ‘Trebor’ blog – and thank you for your kind comments – very much appreciated 🙂
Geoff (London Shoes)
My son has just bought a flat in the Trebor building.
I would love to get him some orginal pics if you could advise where I need to go.
His flat is on the top floor with wonderful views
Hello Suzanne – if you Google ‘The Trebor Factory – Forest Gate (or East Ham) you will find that quite a number of websites show up, that cover-off or reference the Trebor Factory. If you then click on the ‘Images’ tab at the top of the Google search bar, you will find numerous old photographs of the Factory, some of which, I’m sure will be just what you are looking for.
Hope this helps
Regards…….GEOFF (LONDON SHOES)
Just found your blog and thoroughly enjoying it. A few of my family members worked at Trebors sweet factory and I was always so envious!!!
I was born in Plaistow almost 49 years ago and unbelievably live in Plaistow, West Sussx now!! Our local village primary school and it’s London namesake had a visit to each other’s schools….to say it was a bit of a shock for both sides is putting it mildly!!
Keep blogging!!
Hello Emma.,
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to contact me – and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my ‘Trebor Factory’ blog – I certainly enjoyed doing it, and from the feedback its received to date, it would seem that a number of readers have found it interesting, particularly those, like yourself, who may have had family members working there.
Also – thank you for sharing your ‘Plaistow’ story – I never knew that there was ‘another one’ – as you say, same name, but 2 very different locations.
I’m sure that you would find a number of my blogs of interest, you’ll find loads of ‘east-end’ related ones on my website menu – Hopefully, you will continue to follow my weekly publish London Shoes blogs :-))
Kind regards – & stay safe……Geoff (London Shoes)