McMahon's Soft-Drink Factory

The first McMahon’s soft drink factory, worked by  Frederick McMahon, was located in Darling Street, operating until 1934 when bankruptcy was declared.

Coincidentally, Fred rented a house in West Street from William James Hooper who was another Ipswich cordial maker. He later purchased this building and another house and land from Hooper's deceased estate. It is unconfirmed if Fred McMahon purchased the cordial factory at the corner of West & Darling Streets from W. J. Hooper's deceased estate. 

In February 1935 Frank McMahon declared that he was taking over the bankrupted business for the sum of 100 pounds, to pay when he had funds available.

In the end, McMahon's aerated water works was bounded by Darling, West and Martin Streets. . It is believed that J. Hodgson, a pioneer cordial manufacturer in Ipswich and R. McClymont had a cordial business on part of this site (described as being in West Street and Darling Street) in earlier days. 

The factory expanded in 1940 and in 1959 Frank's sons joined the family company. Offering a home delivery service, McMahons Soft Drinks became an iconic Ipswich brand, with its distinctive glass bottle and red label.

Following the 1974 flood, the business moved to Wulkuraka in 1977, ceasing operations in 1991.

The Martin Street factory was transformed into an indoor swimming pool named Peter McMahon’s Swim Factory.