The manufacture of tape was a major source of employment in Cheadle throughout the 19th century in the mill trading under the name J. & N. Philips and Co.  of Tean hall and Manchester in the first two decades and later in the century as John and Nathaniel Philips and Co.  of Tean Hall and Cheadle, independently of the Manchester branch.  

In 1821 J. & N. Philips began to explore the possibility of introducing steam power into their mills.  The installation of the mill gear at Cheadle was carried out by Chris Kirk of Etruria at an estimated cost of £481.  Steam power was eventually introduced in 1824. In 1831 the number of power looms at Cheadle was 133 indicating a workforce of only 66 weavers. In 1841 138 weavers and other allied occupations are listed who were probably accommodated mainly in the "New Mill" described in the 1837 rate book. 

The description of this property situated in Tape Street states that it consisted of the new Mill, 112 feet in length, 54 feet in depth and with an elevation of 30 feet.