Kleeneze
was established in
Bristol in 1923 by Harry Crook
where he utilised his
acquired brush making knowledge to manufacture
twisted-in wire brushes by hand. After only a few
months, due to the huge demand for these finely crafted
brushes, Kleeneze was
able to buy a twisting machine and by 1928, just five
years after its inception, Kleeneze was able to proudly
boast 200 branches worldwide.
After initially starting business as purely brush makers Kleeneze
gradually expanded to include household consumables
within its range – beginning with polish. This was a
wise move as during this year Kleeneze enjoyed record
breaking sales. This continued until the Second World
War when production was channeled into a variety of war
needs. The very first Kleeneze distributors were known
as Boosters as they boosted brush sales.
Kleeneze’s overseas
operations proved immensely successful throughout the
1930s, ceasing only when the outbreak of war necessarily
restricted business.
Between 1945 – 1960, as
Britain was recovering from the economic effects of war,
Kleeneze began to expand its range to include Talcum
Powder, Oatmeal Bath cubes and Chlorophyll Toothpaste.
Kleeneze was no longer simply a brush making company;
the business was progressing and expanding. During the
1960s Kleeneze agents, as they were now known, were
awarded self-employed status.
Between 1970-1980 Network
Marketing, a concept unique in the UK, was introduced
and, in an attempt to modernise the Kleeneze image, a
move was made to step away from traditional brush and
polish selling to aerosol and car care products.
From 1980 onwards the home
shopping and direct selling phenomenon took off.
Kleeneze was now solely concerned with Network Marketing
and the dedication and energy of Kleeneze ‘agents’ built
the foundation for today’s Opportunity.
During the 1990s
Kleeneze’s successful programme of incentives saw
‘agents’ flocking to the business.
In 1995 Kleeneze
re-launched its activities in the Republic of Ireland.
Since this time, both Distributor (as agents are now
known) numbers and sales figures have grown.
In May 2004, Kleeneze opened its
brand new office headquarters and distribution centre in
Warmley, Bristol. After 75 years at the old address in
Hanham, Bristol, it was time for a move. The new site is
spacious and modern and, with its contemporary offices
and new technology, allows the business to thrive.
2004 has also seen the expansion
of Kleeneze into mainland Europe, starting with the
Netherlands. Distributor
numbers in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands are increasing as the business
continues to grow and expand. |