Company History
Company Founded
The company was founded in 1786 and incorporated as Kay Brothers Ltd in 1877. Various pharmaceutical and chemical products have been developed over the years, including anti-malaria tablets, flycatchers as well as firelighters.
First ZIP Firelighter presented
In 1936, the first ZIP® firelighter was presented to the public, it was an innovative idea and was immediately successful.
Factory set up in Ireland
Our Irish factory was set up in Castlebellingham in 1956 to support manufacturing centres in the UK and on the European continent.
Production of brown firelighters began
In 1959 an extension was added to the Castlebellingham factory for the production of brown firelighters which consisted of wood flour mixed with kerosene and bound with a chemical agent.
Innovative production of white firelighters
In 1960 Reckitt & Colman purchased the business and commenced production of white firelighters. This was very innovative at the time because of its unique development which encapsulated kerosene within a solid substance.
Sales double with new formula
In 1975 Annagassan Mills was purchased for the processing of peat to be incorporated into firelighters. Firelighter sales increased by 100% to 2 million cases in just 18 months!
Entire business transfers to Castlebellingham
In 1995 Reckitt & Colman transferred their entire European firelighter business to Castlebellingham.
Merger with Benckiser NV
In 1999 Reckitt & Colman merged with Benckiser NV. The new entity was renamed Reckitt Benckiser.
Standard Brands Take Over
In 2001, Standard Brands (Ireland) Ltd and Graphite Ventures purchased the business from Reckitt Benckiser.
CROÍ NA TINE FIRELOG LAUNCHED
ZIP® launched the new Croína Tine Firelog in Ireland. Raw materials of Irish-grown willow and natural waxes are delivered directly to the Castlebellingham log production area, where the logs are made and hand-packed.
ZIP® REBRAND
ZIP® rebrands the product range with a new contemporary look and feel, whilst retaining it's heritage of producing firelighters since 1936. The new packaging is rolled out.
ZIP® LAUNCHES SUMMER RANGE
ZIP launched a full summer range of products, including specifically designed BBQ firelighters, BBQ charcoal, natural firelighters, and disposable BBQ trays.
SHS GROUP TAKE OVER
In 2017, the SHS Group purchased the Standard Brands (Ireland) Ltd. business from Graphite Ventures.
ZIP® REBRAND
ZIP® rebrands the product range with a new contemporary look and feel, whilst retaining it's heritage of producing firelighters since 1936. The new packaging is rolled out.
