The year 2022 marked a momentous occasion for Hillbrush: its 100th anniversary. As the UK’s largest and longest-established manufacturer of traditional brushes and specialist cleaning tools, this centenary was a significant milestone, prompting a year filled with celebrations, reflections, and investments in the future. The company planned a comprehensive program of events and initiatives to commemorate this landmark achievement and acknowledge the contributions of its employees, customers, and suppliers.
To visually represent this significant milestone, Hillbrush developed a new logo specifically for the centenary year. This commemorative logo served as a symbol of the company’s rich history and its continued commitment to quality and innovation. The logo was incorporated into all communications and marketing materials throughout the year, serving as a constant reminder of this special occasion.
One of the key highlights of the centenary celebrations was the launch of a commemorative book, authored by Chairman Philip Coward. This book offered a unique and personal reflection on the 100-year history of the family business, tracing its evolution from its humble beginnings to its current position as a leading manufacturer in the industry. The book, launched in January 2022, provided valuable insights into the company’s values, challenges, and triumphs over the past century, offering a compelling narrative for employees, customers, and anyone interested in the history of British manufacturing.
The mid-summer period was dedicated to celebrating the heart of the company: its employees. Staff celebrations were organized to recognize their hard work, dedication, and contributions to Hillbrush’s success. These events provided an opportunity for employees and their families to come together, celebrate their shared history, and enjoy a well-deserved moment of recognition.
Alongside the staff celebrations, Hillbrush also launched several fundraising initiatives in support of the Royal Warrant Holders Associations Charity Fund. This charitable endeavor demonstrated the company’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting worthy causes. The fundraising activities engaged both employees and customers, further strengthening the sense of community surrounding the centenary celebrations.
In September 2022, Hillbrush hosted a special reception at its headquarters in Mere for its valued customers and suppliers. This event provided an opportunity to express gratitude for their continued support and partnerships, which have been instrumental to the company’s success over the past 100 years. The reception also served as a platform to showcase the company’s latest innovations and reaffirm its commitment to providing high-quality products and services.
Throughout the year, commemorative items were available for purchase in the Hillbrush visitor center shop. These special items, including a specially designed “birthday brush,” served as tangible reminders of the centenary celebration and provided customers with a unique opportunity to own a piece of Hillbrush history.
Beyond the celebrations and commemorative activities, Hillbrush also focused on investing in its future. The company embarked on a significant investment in its Mere site with the construction of a new Centenary building. This new facility provided much-needed warehousing space and improved staff facilities, enhancing the company’s operational efficiency and providing a better working environment for its employees.
Furthermore, as part of Hillbrush’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the company expanded its network of solar panels across buildings throughout the site. This investment in renewable energy further reduced the company’s environmental footprint and demonstrated its dedication to responsible manufacturing practices. The centenary year was not just a celebration of the past but also a commitment to a sustainable and innovative future for Hillbrush.
David Hagelthorn, head of marketing at Hillbrush commented:
Hillbrush is a British manufacturing institution that has innovated and diversified with the times but stayed true to its family values. We are all very excited about next year’s 100th birthday and the marketing team is working on a number of projects to celebrate this fantastic achievement with both staff and customers.
