The Armshead Quarry, located on the Wetley Moor, was closed around 1955. It was used to quarry sandstone, which was blasted out from the rock face. At least one other quarry operated in Washerwall, with other past industries including coal mining, weaving and nail making. Coal mining dates in the area back to at least the 18th century, with notable flurries of activity occurring during miners' strikes in 1921 and 1926. Salter's Lane Colliery Co. Ltd operated between 1960 and 1975, and were given approval to mine in the village in February 1970. The last mine operating in Werrington was sunk in 1956, running until its closure in March 1983. Though these industries have fallen away, the area still maintains some number of farms.