One of Europe’s largest manufacturer of baths, Hartford Holdings, today announces an historic buy out of prestigious Thomas Crapper & Company Ltd whose offices are based in Stratford upon Avon.
Thomas Crapper & Company Ltd, which was founded by Thomas Crapper from Thorne, Doncaster, will become Huddersfield-based Hartford Holdings’ first branded offering as the family owned firm looks to ensure the Crapper brand remains one of Britain’s most-treasured brands for many years to come.
The news comes following exponential growth at Hartford Holdings – which operates the brands Trojan Plastics and Aquacast Bathrooms – having grown from £16.4m to more than £22m in the past four years and now employing more than 165 people in and around the Yorkshire region.
Thomas Crapper & Company Ltd currently turns over around £1m and employs seven people at its Stratford upon Avon base. Although the new ownership means the 155-year-old brand is finally returning to its Yorkshire roots operations will remain in Stratford upon Avon.
Paul Dwyer, who has more than 30 years of experience working for some of the most recognised brands in the bathroom sector, has been appointed Managing Director of Thomas Crapper and will work alongside Hartford Holdings Managing Director, David Mosley and his brother, Director Adam Mosley.
Commenting on the news of the buyout, David Mosley, MD, said: “To say we’re delighted to be welcoming the Thomas Crapper brand to Hartford Holdings would be an understatement – this news marks a pivotal moment in our business development as we strengthen our portfolio with a new consumer brand.
“There has been a resurgence in the traditional bathroom market over the last few years both in the UK and abroad. I cannot think of a more quintessential British brand that will allow access to overseas markets including Northern America, Russia, China and India. Thomas Crapper has a very real history and one that stands above all others.
“We’re passionate about British manufacturing and British brands, and as the bathroom market continues to go from strength-to-strength we’re looking forward to continuing to build on the institution that Thomas Crapper has become.”
Paul Dwyer, Managing Director of Thomas Crapper & Company Ltd, added: “Not many brands have built a worldwide reputation for manufacturing quality goods over a 155 year period, but it’s testament to Thomas Crapper & Company that they’ve managed to do exactly that.
“150 years ago this brand was at the forefront of the sanitary revolution, and the traditions of quality, attention to detail and service are maintained as strictly as they were back then, as are many of the original designs.
“However, the world has changed drastically from what Mr Thomas Crapper would have known back in 1861 and there are fantastic opportunities for his eponymous brand to continue to flourish through new product development.”
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to take this company to the next level.”
Thomas Crapper products are often found in some of the most prestigious buildings in the world including Royal homes and palaces, stately homes, museums, and luxury hotels. You will find Thomas Crapper products in Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurants, Fullers Brewery pubs, Westminster Abbey and the Guard’s Polo Club to name but a few.