We’ve been through a lot over the last 118 years at Black Cat and Standard Fireworks, from aiding efforts in the First and Second World War to designing and importing over 17 million innovative and exciting fireworks every year. With years worth of knowledge and experience it’s no wonder we’re the UK’s leading firework brand!
Standard Fireworks was the brainchild of Yorkshire draper James Greenhalgh. Established in 1891, Standard Fireworks moved to its Crosland Hill site in Huddersfield in 1910 where it now covers over 100 acres.
During both the First and Second World Wars production switched to munitions and became an essential part of the war effort.
The post-war years brought further expansion and the company was floated on the Stock Market in 1959. In 1988 Standard Fireworks bought the old established Scottish based Brocks Fireworks Ltd, seeing all fireworks production transferred to Yorkshire.
During the 1980s and 1990s Standard Fireworks became a major employer in the Yorkshire region with a 500 strong workforce. 1998 saw the purchase of Standard Fireworks by the Chinese based Black Cat Fireworks. As the largest manufacturer of fireworks in the world, Black Cat switched firework manufacture to China.
The Huddersfield site is now the UK headquarters for Black Cat and acts as the Sales, Marketing and Distribution centre for both Black Cat and Standard product ranges.
Continued investment in new product development, logistics, sales and marketing have ensured Standard Fireworks will remain the leading family favourite firework brand in the UK. Black Cat has established itself as the brand leader for fireworks enthusiastic and continues to produce innovative ranges.
