Factory Communications Limited 1979 - 1992

On 24 January 1978, local television journalist Anthony H. Wilson and his friend, the actor Alan Erasmus, founded “The Movement of the 24th of January” for the purpose of managing and promoting local bands. Wilson had previously used his late night music programme So It Goes to promote new music. The pair’s first signing was The Durutti Column, a band which was formed around guitarist Vini Reilly.

Later in 1978, Wilson and Erasmus organised a Friday night event at The Russell Club in Hulme, Manchester, which they named The Factory. The night was similar in spirit to the punk clubs Wilson had visited in 1976 and 1977. The poster for the first event was designed by Peter Saville, then still a student. Although the poster was not ready in time to be used on the night it was recognised as the first Factory product, gaining the

Factory catalogue number FAC 1. Saville later became a director of Factory, as did music producer Martin Hannett.

The club night was a success and led to the release in January 1979 of the Factory Sampler double 7” EP (FAC 2). This EP marked the beginnings of Factory as a record label and featured bands such as The Durutti Column, Cabaret Voltaire and Joy Division.

Factory was established as a record company with this release and set up its headquarters in Erasmus’ flat on Palatine Road, Didsbury. It remained there until it was relocated to Manchester city centre in 1990.

In May 1980 Factory released its first major recording, Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures album. Joy Division’s manager, Rob Gretton, became the company’s fifth partner shortly afterwards. Ian Curtis, the singer in Joy Division, was found dead after committing suicide in May 1980. Joy Division was on the verge of international success. A second album, Closer, was released and the remaining band members decided to continue recording and performing under the name New Order. They were joined by keyboard player Gillian Gilbert. Their first album under this name was Movement, released in 1981.

In around 1981, ideas for a Factory venue emerged. The Factory Club had opened for a final series of Friday night gigs during April 1980. The name chosen for the new venue was the Haçienda and the Factory catalogue number was FAC 51. FAC 51 Ltd was created to manage the business side of the venture. A disused yacht showroom on Whitworth Street, near the city centre, was acquired as club premises. The interior of the club was designed by award-winning designer Ben Kelly. The club was the cause of friction with Martin Hannett, who resigned as a Director, followed by Peter Saville shortly afterwards.

The club opened for business in May 1982, opening seven nights a week. Attendance was initially poor, but the move into dance music, particularly Chicago House, and the success of New Order’s 'Blue Monday' 12” single gradually increased the club’s popularity. Monday nights were band nights, and performers included The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, The Fall,

Madonna and Happy Mondays. Other successes included the introduction of house DJs (Mike Pickering and Graeme Park) and themed club nights, such as Shine, Zumbar, Nude and The Void. By 1988, the Haçienda was the biggest club in Britain.

In April 1991, Martin Hannett died. During the same month, Peter Saville announced that he would no longer design for Factory except for the occasional New Order sleeve. In May 1991, the Haçienda re-opened with a new interior.

In May 1992, the Haçienda was opened to celebrate its 10th birthday. Six months later the Happy Mondays' single ‘Sunshine and Love’ was released - the last Factory recording. The Company went into receivership on 23 November, £2 million in debt. After the bankruptcy declaration, London Records took over existing band contracts and ownership of the entire Factory back catalogue, except New Order’s catalogue.