Built in 1847, Reins Mill was occupied by Charles Dean in 1866 operating as a Fancy Woollen Manufacturer. A year later, Dean started a partnership with John Hey that would last until Hey’s retirement in 1883. By 1889, Joseph Dean, son of the original founder, started at the company and from then on the company was known as Charles Dean & Son. The company would continue to operate from Reins right up to the end of the nineteenth century.
The Reins Mill reaches to a height of three storeys, and is entirely lighted by the electric light, and is not only large and commodious in construction, but has been appointed throughout with machinery and appliances of the most approved character, and in complete and thorough suitability for the work engaged in. There have been laid down here four sets of carding and scribbling machinery, four spinning machines, and two thousand spindles, in addition to other requisite plant, and the propulsion power is supplied by two boilers and engine. In addition to the mill is an extensive weaving shed, and two sheds of smaller dimensions. The complete processes of manufacture are carried through here, including both dyeing and finishing, and a stock of exceptional extent and high commerical value is kept by Messrs. Charles Dean & Son in fancy woollen, tweeds, cheviots, wool-dyed meltons and beavers, worsteds, army cloths, the entire productions of the firm holding a high position in the market, in consequence of their excellent finish and reliability… …The operations of this firm engage the services of a staff of one hundred and twenty hands, a widespread and prosperous trade being conducted among a valuable and influential connection both at home and abroad. The warehouse is situated at Nos. 2 and 4 Lancaster’s Yard and is in thorough keeping with the superior tone of the other departments of this business.”
