History

The company's origins date back to 1784, when three men from Sheffield - George Cadman, Samuel Roberts and Benjamin Naylor - got together to form a business partnership. Their premises were based on Eyre Street in Sheffield where they manufactured an exclusive product range, including candlesticks, tureens, cutlery, pots for making tea and coffee. Over 10 Sissons family members were involved with the company, covering a staggering five generations, with its history paralleling many of the great innovations in metal production and fabrication.

The first of the Sissons family to be associated with the firm was William Sissons back in 1826 and 32 years later the Sissons family assumed total control of the firm and the final Sissons family member to be involved with the firm was Gordon Sissons, who died in 1975 after having headed the company for 30 years.

Franke Sissons started production of sinks in the 1930s. After the First World War, the businesses' traditional cutlery market was starting to decline and it was recognized the need to diversify and they changed to manufactured goods made from monel metal, a combination of two-thirds nickel and one-third copper. Sissons then went on to make hospital utensils initially, including bed pans, but then turned to sink production - a market stimulated by rising housing demand.

During the 1950's and 60's Sissons became the largest producer of domestic stainless steel sinks in the UK. However, as fashions changed for domestic household fittings the company diversified into commercial catering and washroom products in the 1970's laying the foundations for the modern company that exists today.

In 2002 W&G Sissons Ltd was purchased by Franke as part of the Washroom Systems division. Franke have continued to invest in the company to strengthen the position of one of the largest stainless steel sanitary ware manufacturers in the world. Franke Sissons continue to develop innovative and state of the art products for the modern washroom and commercial applications to provide the highest standards of hygiene and durability to our customers.

Franke Sissons Ltd, based on the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate in Chesterfield, celebrated its 225th anniversary in May 2009.

The company hosted a number of events both for customers and staff to mark this landmark event, which included a charity balloon release and an official anniversary ceremony, carried out by the local MP Cllr Paul Holmes, the Lord Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Adrian Kitch and the Chief Executive of the company’s Swiss parent group, Mr Michael Pieper.

Customers toured the factory, mostly re-built after a devastating fire in 2006, and saw state of the art technology in a world class manufacturing environment. More recently the company has added conference facilities and a new showroom, which customers and employees can take advantage of for training and sales seminars.

Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons, said: “This is a hugely exciting and rewarding time for us. I have worked for the company since joining as an apprentice in 1981 and like all businesses there have been some very good times, and times such as today when things are more challenging. What has seen us through over the years is our focus on innovation and excellence in quality manufacturing and close relationships with our customers. This is backed up by a strong culture of teamwork, with all employees working together to achieve a common goal.”

Also prepared for the event were delicate artefacts from Franke Sissons history, including several cutlery items, a large meat dish, a toast rack, a tureen and cover, and several Silver dishes which have all been kindly loaned by Sheffield museums. These items were originally produced by W&G Sissons Ltd when they were located on Eyre Street in Sheffield in 1784 and operated as silversmiths.

During its 225 years, Sissons has changed significantly as a business. Starting out as a manufacturer of silver plated candlesticks, tureens and cutlery to being one of the pioneers of electroplating producing high quality dishes. After the First World War, the company began manufacturing sinks, later lamp reflectors and stub pipes for Lancaster bombers during the Second World War. The company expanded and moved to Calver Mill in Derbyshire in 1973 and then in 1978 bought its current factory location on Carrwood Road in Chesterfield. After becoming part of the Swiss-owned Franke Group in 2002, the company became known as Franke Sissons Ltd and is now the UK’s leading manufacturer of sanitary ware systems and solutions for schools, local authorities, prisons, hotels and the commercial sector. The history continues in stainless steel sinks in being the UK`s leading manufacturer of commercial sinks.