In 1986, the Blue Bird Toffee Factory was taken over by Hillsdown Holdings, who already ownedNeedlers, a confectionery maker based in Hull. Much of the machinery was moved to Hull before a management buy-out in 1989 restored local control. The new company soon ran into difficulties, however, and in 1991, receivers were called in. The offices and main factory were purchased by the Singapore-based Jack Chia Group. In 1996, Jack Chia bought Needlers and transferred all production to Hull in 1998. The future of their part of the factory is now uncertain.