Generations of making soap
Stephenson Group was formed in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in 1856 originally manufacturing soap based agents for the processing of wool, along with Furniture Wax and Polish products (Stephenson Furniture Polish) Up till the late 1960s Bradford was the hub for wool processing, however as the industry moved outside of the UK Stephenson Group diversified and opened up new markets with new chemistry and innovation.
It was this diversification that saw Stephenson Group become and remain one of the world leaders in Chemical supply for the Paper recycling industry, it was at this time products were also developed for Rubber processing specifically for the tyre industry, a sector in which Stephenson Group is now a key global supplier.
The amalgamation of Thos. Bentley & Son with Stephenson Bros and the subsequent take over of J.C. Thompson Ltd formed the foundation of the current Stephenson Group and the manufacturing operations were focused on the factory in Horsforth, Leeds and since 2007 the company is solely located on this site.
It was in the late 1990s that saw Stephenson Group transform with the introduction of Personal Care products. This brought a new dimension to the company and now forms a key part of the group’s operations. Stephenson Group is now well established as one of the world’s leading speciality soap base manufacturers and continues to meet the demands of customers worldwide. Stephenson Group Ltd is owned by Thos. Bentley & Son Ltd, and run by CEO Jamie Bentley – now the fifth generation of the family to be involved with the company.
The Stephenson Group Timeline
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1856 - Stephenson Bros formed in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in 1856 originally manufacturing soap based agents for the processing of wool, along with Furniture Wax and Polish products (Stephenson Furniture Polish) -
1967 - Stephenson Bros acquire Thos Bentley & Son Ltd business continues. -
1978 - The Bentley family buy out Stephenson shareholders to take 100% ownership of the combined business. -
1983 - Stephenson Bros Ltd purchase J C Thompson & Co Ltd textile chemical manufacturers, change the company name to Stephenson Group Ltd and form a new division called Stephenson Thompson Textile Chemicals. -
1985 - Alongside textile chemicals Stephenson Group diversifies into Industrial Chemicals with the introduction of SRC Recycling Chemicals and the development of the first Anti tack agents for the rubber industry. -
1990 - Major redevelopment of Brookfoot Mills manufacturing site, in product range for Personal Care, the development of translucent Horsforth, Leeds increases capacity and quality. -
1995 - Introduction of soap based and opaque soap noodles. -
1998 - Stephenson Group creates what becomes world famous 'Crystal' Melt & Pour soap base range for Personal Care applications. -
1999 - Stephenson Group consults and advises on 'soap-making' for the film Fight Club. -
2000 - Stephenson Group wins the Queen's Award for Export Achievement for the first time. -
2001 - Stephenson Group forms new division- Stephenson Personal Care. The division is now well established as one of the world's leading speciality soap base manufacturers with hundreds of customers in over 50 countries. -
2002 - Development and investment in new state of the art warehouse at Brookfoot Mills manufacturing facility, Leeds. -
2007 - Again awarded Queen's Award, this time for Export and Enterprise. Stephenson Group relocates from Bradford to manufacturing site in Horsforth, Leeds. -
2008 - The Stephenson Group launch an in-house Soil Association Certified Organic Personal care brand 'Bentley Organic' -
2010 - Stephenson Group becomes the World's first soap maker to offer 100% RSPO Sustainable Palm Oil soap bases, after signing exclusive agreement with New Britain Oils.