Winnington is the home to
Brunner Mond UK chemical works, where
soda ash is created.
Polythene, the material used in many plastic items (e.g. plastic bags), was first made at the chemical works by Reginald O. Gibson and Eric W. Fawcett in 1933, during an experiment that 'went wrong'. Most residents in Winnington were employed by ICI (
Imperial Chemical Industries); however, many people now work in the town centre, with Brunner Mond still employing hundreds of people. Most of the houses built closer to the ICI plant were built by the company to house their workers. Winnington also has a
combined heat and power station, providing electricity for Brunner Mond. The
Anderton Boat Lift, which lifts boats from the River Weaver navigation to the canal, is nearby. ==The future==