 In 1874 amidst a boom in demand for slate, the Cwmodyn Slate & Slab Quarry Company was formed, but demand slumped soon after and the company was sold at auction in 1878.Its new owner, J.W.Orchard began operations again by 1880 and in 1882 produce 4,173 tons of finished slate, worth £11,600 (equivalent of £ in 2019).