Grundy's Mill, Little Lever, founded by James Grundy in 1760. Livesey's Mill, Prestolee, founded 1770 by John Livesey. Seddon's Mill Prestolee, founded by Thomas Seddon 1780. Springfield Mill, Bolton, founded 1820 by James and John Livesey of Prestolee. Stoneclough Mill, founded 1823 by Ralph Crompton, becoming Robert Fletcher and Son in 1859, Robert Fletcher himself living from 1804 - 1865.
Later industry includes a coal fired power station.
Kearsley Power station was built in the late 1920's, water for cooling taken from the Irwell. The power station was closed, and demolished on May 12th 1985. Water catchment for the River Irwell comes from the following. Eagley Brook, joined by Astley Brook and Smithills Stream, joined at River Tonge into the River Croal. Billy Brook, Quarlton Brook, and Bradshaw Brook turning into Blackshaw Brook joining the River Croal.