Logs Burning In A Fire

Company History

1786

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.

1936

First ZIP Firelighter presented

In 1936, the first ZIP® firelighter was presented to the public, it was an innovative idea and was immediately successful.

1956

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.

1959

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.

1960

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.

1975

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!

1995

Entire business transfers to Castlebellingham

In 1995 Reckitt & Colman transferred their entire European firelighter business to Castlebellingham.

1999

Merger with Benckiser NV

In 1999 Reckitt & Colman merged with Benckiser NV. The new entity was renamed Reckitt Benckiser.

2001

Standard Brands Take Over

In 2001, Standard Brands (Ireland) Ltd and Graphite Ventures purchased the business from Reckitt Benckiser.

2009

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.

2012

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.

2015

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.

2017

SHS GROUP TAKE OVER

In 2017, the SHS Group purchased the Standard Brands (Ireland) Ltd. business from Graphite Ventures.

2023

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.

Get in touch with us

Got a question about ZIP® products or need help and advice? We’re here to answer to your enquiries so just get in touch with us anytime.

Contact Us

Choose your country