A family-owned soap firm with a big heart is celebrating its 25th birthday by expanding. West of England Mayor, Dan Norris, will officially open The Somerset Toiletry Company’s new factory just over the road from their previous Hallatrow-based factory (on Tuesday 23 April at 2.30pm) as he kicks of their quarter-century birthday celebrations. The multi-million-pound, family-run company - one of Bath and NE Somerset, and the world’s, biggest and best bath and body product firms - moved soap production from Portugal to Hallatrow during the pandemic to decrease their carbon footprint.
Now they’re moving to a bigger, better factory over the road with Mr Norris cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Chatting over birthday cake and tea, the Mayor will then hear first-hand how the move means the £14m firm can double and streamline production - as their factory and warehousing sites will be directly linked for the first time, plus they now have a second soap machine meaning they can increase production by 100%.
It means the firm will be making even more environmentally friendly bath and body products. All products are designed here in Bath and NE Somerset, with soaps made exclusively in Hallatrow and sold all over the world in over 50 countries.
They’re one of only a few companies worldwide to use sustainable palm oil certified by The Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) – meaning 100% of the palm oil used is traceable from locations where there is no threat to endangered species like orangutans.
Dan Norris, West of England Mayor, said: “It’s so great to see a Bath and NE Somerset-based firm cleaning up by expanding into a new manufacturing home here in Hallatrow.
“The soap and other body products they sell are top-quality, and they’re animal-friendly, and environmentally-friendly too. Here’s to the next 25 years.”
The Clutton-based firm is also running a ‘25 for 25’ campaign to celebrate their birthday - 25 charitable initiatives through the year. This includes donating toiletries to various community-based organisations and providing hot meals in the area, with the regional Mayor meeting some of the charitable and community groups to have benefitted on the day.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the firm will also be releasing limited-edition soaps, fundraising with sponsored sky-dives and hosting events at their cafe in Clutton.
The Somerset Toiletry Company has been creating luxury bath and body products since 1999 and was recently named 2024 'Sustainable Business of the Year' by The City of London at the Elite Business 100 Awards.
Sakina Buoy, its Chair, added: "Our 25th year in business is proving to be a very special one for all of us here at The Somerset Toiletry Company. With our '25 for 25' initiative we are engaging with extraordinary local and national charities.
"Alongside this, the expansion of our production capabilities offers an exciting new chapter in our manufacturing journey."
