This move prompted a further development, the production of many types of attractive leather articles to meet the needs of the advertising gift trade. In the mid 1950s Ashtons commenced experimenting with plastics materials and successfully carried out experiments in both moulding pump cups and syringe cups.  These were made of PVC and polythene which could withstand powerful insecticides and the patented “Ashtic” plastic cup was born. Expensive high-frequency PVC welding equipment was installed and production began on the manufacture of plastic wallets and cases for twist drills, chisels and screwdrivers.  This meant the tool manufacturers could present their products in attractive and inexpensive cases for the customer. Because of their reputation in the field of hydraulics, Ashtons gained a valuable agency in 1961 by becoming sole distributors in the area for Dowty Seals Ltd, handling their many lines including o rings, bonded seals, u rings, wiper seals and other precision rubber mouldings.

In 1963 Sheffield Corporation made a compulsory purchase order against the Norfolk Street premises for a road-widening scheme.  New accommodation had to be found and there was plenty of room for expansion in Sidney Street for the housing of the mill furnishing department’s stocks.

In the same year Mr W. R. Wills, a great grandson of the founder Thomas A Ashton, became Chairman and Managing Director of the company and a new era in the development of the firm began.

By 1966 Ashtons were one of the largest stockists of hydraulic seals in the country, carrying millions of seals in many ranges.  This trend continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s as the demand for Ashtons reliability and quality continued to grow.

Throughout this same period Ashtons was considered a market leader in the design and manufacture of flexible PVC packaging and so, in January 1996, Ashton Seals and Ashtons (Sheffield) were launched, evolving out of Thomas A Ashton Limited.