Cadbury brothers - 1899

Following Richard Cadbury's death at the age of 63 in 1899, the business became a private limited company: Cadbury Brothers Limited.

George Cadbury became Chairman of the new Board. His fellow directors were Barrow and William A. Cadbury (sons of Richard) and two of his own sons, Edward and George Cadbury Junior.

By 1899, the Bournville factory had trebled in size, with more than 2,600 employees. With the formation of the limited company, Bournville entered an era of scientific management as the younger members of the Board introduced new ideas: analytical laboratories, advertising and cost offices, a sales department, works committee, medical department, pension funds, education and training for employees.

The Bournville factory site became a 'series of factories within a factory', as everything needed for the business was produced on site, with tin box pressing plants, carton making units, a design studio and printing plant.

This policy continued until after the second world war, when the rationalisation of the business to its primary activity - production and marketing of chocolate confectionery - led to the use of outside specialised suppliers for all ancillary items.