Making brushes and other painting accessories for over 150 years, T.S. Simms & Co. is a long-standing business in Saint John, New Brunswick. Starting with a risky investment from a war veteran, the organization persisted through many challenges and still operates today. Although its manufacturing operations have moved West, headquarters remain on Canada’s east coast.

Early investment

The beginning of T.S. Simms & Co. dates back to 1866 when an American Civil War veteran, Thomas Stockwell Simms, invested his wages to create a brush and broom enterprise. Originally established in Portland, Maine, the thriving shipbuilding industry in Saint John convinced Simms to move himself and his new business to New Brunswick in 1872. Since then, generations of the family have maintained operations of T.S. Simms in the province.

Despite personal and operational challenges, Thomas Simms continued to grow his business, travelling the world to establish partnerships and seek supplies. In the early 20th century, he was one of the first brushmakers to go to China to source bristles.

 

 

Through generations

In 1908, Thomas Simms’ son Lewis Wesley Simms took over the family business at only 24 years old. Lewis took T.S. Simms to new heights, doubling sales within three years and expanding markets outside the Maritimes and across Canada. During his 50 years as company president, he also promoted automated brushmaking processes and constructed the organization’s long-standing manufacturing facilities on the west side of Saint John in 1912.

Third and fourth-generation members of the Simms family eventually carried on operations, growing through acquisitions, establishing new divisions and forming industry partnerships. Their factory created many job opportunities and at one time employed hundreds.

 

 

Moving manufacturing

After more than 140 years of operations in Saint John, in 2013 it was announced that T.S. Simms & Co.’s manufacturing plant in Saint John, N.B. would close its doors. The decision followed the company losing a contract with a big box retailer and seeking funding in 2009 to avoid layoffs. In a CBC article about the closure, a representative of T.S. Simms was quoted saying the move was: “a very tough choice but a necessary one to ensure the ongoing viability of our business.”

Many in the community expressed sadness about the loss of the facility. One resident spent six years building a handmade miniature model of the factory to commemorate its long history in Saint John.

T.S. Simms moved its manufacturing operations to Ontario and its factory in Saint John was purchased by J.D. Irving. Demolition of the property began in 2014.

 

 

Still rolling

Today, T.S. Simms & Co. continues operations from its headquarters in Saint John, N.B. and manufacturing facilities in Erin, Ontario. According to its website, the organization continues to make a variety of paintbrushes, rollers, trays and other related products sold across Canada for “the Do It Yourselfer and Painting Professional.”

Ed note: a representative of T.S. Simms & Co. was unavailable for an interview; the above article is based on third-party research.

---

• For more Web Exclusives, click here.