Chemicals have been produced in Castleford since the formation of the Calder Chemical Co. in 1860 and Hunt Bros. in 1864. Hunts were taken over by Laporte and these in turn by Lambcons. Hicksons and Partners came to Castleford from Bradford in 1915. In 1931 the partnership of Hickson and Welch was formed and eventually having established itself abroad became Hickson International. The company was trading as C6 Solutions when it closed in 2005. Since the decline of the coal industry the company had been the town’s largest single employer. Major explosions in 1930 & 1992 lost lives and damaged property. The company devoted itself to raising safety standards and won awards and commendation in recent years.