05/08/2026
🏴 Hoover Factory 🏴
Today I took to the skies to capture what could be some of the final images of the iconic Hoover factory in Pentrebach before demolition changes the skyline forever.
Officially opened in October 1948, the Hoover factory quickly became one of the biggest employers in Merthyr Tydfil. Starting with a workforce of around 350 people, it grew to employ almost 5,000 at its peak during the 1960s and 1970s, making it the largest employer in the borough. During its 61 years of manufacturing, millions of household appliances, including washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers, were built here before production came to an end in 2009. The site then continued as a warehouse and distribution centre until its closure in 2025.
If you’re from Merthyr, there’s a good chance you, a parent, grandparent, or another family member walked through those gates at some point. Even Queen Elizabeth II spent time there!
Friendships were made there, careers were built there, and for generations it helped put food on the table for thousands of local families.
The site is now being demolished to make way for a major new housing development of over 400 homes, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this historic site.
As demolition gets underway, I wanted to preserve one last view of the building standing complete before it disappears into the history books.
Did you or someone in your family work at Hoover? I’d love to hear your memories and stories ⬇️