More than 60 years of history
In 60 years, Nicols has become one of the leaders in the production of household and cleaning products.
In 1947, Nicolas Klimis, father of the current company owners, leaves the family business in order to found his own company : N.M. Klimis & Cie. With four associates, he imports and sells sponges originating from the Aegean Sea (Greece) and chamois leather. The workshop is set up in a house of 100m² in Brussels.
Nicols develops its activity in the sector of sponges and wiping products. In 1963 the company moves to a building of 1000m² in Brussels. Due to a difficulty in finding sufficient quantities of sea sponges, the company branches out and begins dealing in cellulose and synthetic sponges. The company begins fabrications of scouring sponges and paint rollers.
In 1970, the Nicols brand becomes the leader in Belgium. This leadership encourages the company to settle in buildings with a surface area of 15.000 m² in Braine l'Alleud. The head offices are still based there today. This is the beginning of the industrialization of the production.
At the beginning of the 80's, Nicols buys a company in the north of France - a company specialized in the production of anti-moth products and toilet blocks. Nicols develops a strategy of producing private label products in France. At the beginning of the 90's, Nicols becomes the leader of private label sponges on the French market.
The 90's marked the beginning of the production of toilet care products and air fresheners. The group enjoys significant growth in the 90's in France as well as the rest of Europe.
In 1995, Nicols sets up a branch in Poland, which opens doors to eastern European markets. And what started off as a small workshop of 15 workers in 1995, became a modem the Polish factory with rapid growth turning into our largest production centre during the years 2005-2012.
In 2006 Nicols installs a branch in Italy and begins the production of insecticides and electric air fresheners. By the end of 2010, this industrial site is closed, and its insecticide production transferred to our modern Polish facilities, providing for efficiencies while continuing to keep our clients' expectations.
Today Nicols is a leading manufacturer in the market of houseold and cleaning products : sponges, scouring sponges, wipes & microfibre wipes, air fresheners, lavatory care products.
