Sargeant Brothers, Abergavenny 1975

For more than a century, the name Sargeant Brothers was synonymous with industry and innovation in Abergavenny. Based on Queen Street, the firm evolved from humble beginnings into one of Wales’s most prominent producers of paper goods and printed materials. At its peak, it employed over 200 local workers and helped define the town’s commercial identity through much of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The origins of the company date back to around 1870, when a small family-run business began manufacturing paper bags on Cross Street, using just a couple of presses and a handful of workers. As demand for paper goods grew, so did the business. In 1887, under the guidance of Henry Sargeant, the company expanded into a purpose-built factory on Queen Street—a move that marked the beginning of a golden era for Sargeant Brothers.

The factory quickly became a major employer in the area. In 1909, the company was formally incorporated as Sargeant Brothers Ltd., allowing it to further expand its operations. The business diversified over the decades, becoming well known not only for paper bag production but also for its high-quality printing and bookbinding services. From packaging for local shops to more specialised commercial printing, the firm adapted to the changing times while maintaining a strong local workforce and reputation for quality.

By the 1930s, the focus of the business had shifted more decisively toward printing and binding, reflecting broader changes in the industry. The Queen Street factory, with its daily routine marked by the sound of a factory whistle, became a well-known feature of Abergavenny life.

However, the end of the 20th century brought new challenges. Changing technology, the decline of traditional manufacturing, and economic pressures eventually took their toll. In 1983, the Queen Street site closed, and operations were relocated to Pontypool. The old factory was later demolished to make way for the Cibi Walk shopping precinct, erasing the physical presence of a business that had shaped the town for generations.