The four-storey building, the rear of which overlooked Coronation Street, had previously been Hardcastle's Mill, a one-time centre of employment in Weatherfield which had been hit hard by the Depression and closed in 1931. In 1932, Councillor Jack Elliston bought the old mill and refurbished it, installing sewing machines, wireless tannoys and a canteen in 1936. As many of the local residents had lost their jobs and were desperate for work, the opening of the factory was seen as their salvation and although Elliston was sympathetic he insisted on only employing one person per family.