A History of Hillbrush

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Experts in Brush Manufacturing

Humble Beginnings

Hillbrush was established in 1922 by Fred and Bill Coward in the small rural town of Mere, Wiltshire. The brothers named their business The Hill Brush Company, inspired by its location at the base of the distinctive Castle Hill, a landmark still visible in Mere today. Initially, the company specialised in making brushes for the dairy and agricultural industries. However, within a few years, many streets across the country were being swept with Hillbrush products.

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Next Generation

Over time, the family business expanded as the next generation joined. Fred and Bill were later joined by their sons, David and Richard, as well as Bill’s son-in-law, Brian Thomas. In 1997, David's son Martin became the company’s Finance Director, while his second son, Philip, served as Managing Director of Hillbrush in the UK until 2018. At that point, leadership passed to Philip’s son, Charles, and Martin’s son, Andy, who became Co-Managing Directors. Philip now serves as Chairman of Hillbrush and is also President of Hillbrush Inc. in the United States. Meanwhile, Richard’s son Peter, a former Vice President of Hillbrush USA, is a board member. Hillbrush USA is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

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The King of Brushes

From its inception, the company distinguished its brushes with a salmon logo, inspired by Bill’s passion for salmon fishing. The salmon symbol not only set Hillbrush apart from its competitors but also reflected the superior quality of its products, as the salmon is often called the "King of Fish." While the logo has evolved over the years, the salmon remains central to Hillbrush’s identity. To this day, many locals and customers around the world affectionately refer to the company as ‘salmon brushes,’ ‘the fish brand,’ or ‘the brushes with the fish.’

The Enduring Quality of Hillbrush: British-Made Brushes

When it comes to craftsmanship and quality, British-made brushes have a long and respected history. Hillbrush, a company with a rich heritage and a commitment to superior materials and meticulous construction, perfectly exemplifies this tradition. Their brushes aren't just tools but symbols of enduring British craftsmanship and dedication to quality.

A Legacy of British Craftsmanship at Hillbrush

British craftsmanship is celebrated worldwide for its attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Hillbrush embodies this legacy in every brush they produce, combining traditional techniques with modern innovations to create brushes that meet a wide range of needs. Since 1922, Hillbrush has been at the forefront of brush making, consistently pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation. Their history reflects a dedication to producing superior brushes for various applications.

Materials That Matter: Quality and Sustainability

One of the hallmarks of Hillbrush's British-made brushes is their use of high-quality, sustainable materials. From durable synthetic bristles to sustainably sourced wood handles, each component is carefully selected to ensure both performance and longevity. This commitment to materials reflects a modern understanding of environmental responsibility.

Proud Royal Warrant Holders

The Royal Warrant is a recognition of personal service of a high order, and today there are over 850 Royal Warrant holders given permission to use the title and Royal Arms. It is a mark of acknowledgement of those who have supplied goods or services to the Royal Households. The Monarch decides who may grant Royal Warrants, and these are known as Grantors.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, visited Hillbrush in 1952 during a trip to the local area. In 1981 Hillbrush was granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Elizabeth II, for the supply of brushware to the Royal Households.

 We’re delighted and deeply honoured to have been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. This prestigious recognition underscores our commitment to excellence, a tradition that has been at the heart of our family-owned business since its founding in 1922.

100 Years of Brush-making & Innovation

Hillbrush originally specialised in making wooden backed brushes and is still one of the largest manufacturers of wooden brushes in the world. Through innovation and product development we were successfully able to introduce a range of plastic backed brushes for the food and beverage industries.

In 2001 the company purchased Champion Brush Inc. based in Baltimore, USA, the foremost manufacturer of horse grooming brushes in North America. This is now incorporated within Hillbrush Inc which distributes hygiene products to the food and beverage industry.

Our unrivalled experience and expertise has contributed to our prolonged success, with Hillbrush now producing almost three thousand different products, supplied to over 90 countries across the globe. We look forward to introducing more customers to our vast product range in the years ahead.

Extensive Global Network

Hillbrush is a globally recognised company with the cleaning and hygiene industry. Our network of distribution partners has grown significantly in recent years, with Hillbrush now established as a global brand in over 90 countries, meaning our products can be delivered to you directly through our international network.

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