1832 - Originally formed by Benjamin Hick in partnership with his sons, John and Benjamin (younger son) at the Soho Foundry, Bolton. 1837 - as a subcontractor for Edward Bury and Company, started supplying engines to the Midland Counties Railway, the London and Birmingham Railway, the North Union Railway and the Manchester and Leeds Railway. 1841 - supplied three locomotives to the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway. 1842 - Benjamin Hick senior died, at which point John entered partnership with William Hargreaves and the company became Hick, Hargreaves and Company.