The family owned business celebrates its 100th anniversary this year
Bosses at chemicals manufacturer Thomas Swan say they are confident the firm will return to profitable growth amid a competitive market.
The Consett-based maker of products for industrial and consumer markets said it continues to invest in equipment to boost capacity and profitability. It comes as the group – which also has operations in the US and China – reported a rise in turnover from nearly £34m to £35.4m in the year to the end of March 2025.
However, operating losses continued, though they narrowed from £1.19m a year earlier to £997,975. Gross profit, which is a key measure of performance for the group, increased from £7.1m in 2024 to £7.7m.
Headcount at the family owned firm dipped slightly from about 154 to 144 during the year. Ordinary dividends of £1m were paid.
The results came ahead of a milestone year for Thomas Swan, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. The business was founded in Crookhall, six years after Tommy Swan sets up a mixing plant at the Crookhall Works in Consett.
In 2019 the group embarked on a major investment in its plant and facilities – led by managing director Harry Swan, the grandson of Tommy Swan. Today the group manufactures a range of products used in everything from industrial disinfectants to latex gloves and tyres – and exports about 70% to more than 80 countries, from the North East.
Last year the group rebranded its American subsidiary, Swan Chemical Inc, to Thomas Swan – Americas. The move was also coupled with an expansion into larger offices in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, which the group said would support its growing team and customer base in the region.
Jeff DeWerth, managing director of Thomas Swan – Americas, said: “Rebranding as Thomas Swan – Americas is an important step in our global strategy. It unifies our identity across all regions, reinforces our long-standing heritage, and positions us strongly for our next century of innovation and service.”
Harry Swan added: “This rebrand is designed to bring the Thomas Swan range of overseas commercial activities under one global umbrella. We have had a US business for over four decades and I’m delighted that we are now aligning our activities and branding to ensure our customers can recognise a consistent level of customer service and reliability wherever they might be in the world.”
Last year also brought a new distribution deal with Black Swan Graphene – the company it set up with Mason Graphite Inc and retains an 11% stake in. The agreement gives Canada-based Black Swan access to multiple global warehouse locations, including China, where Thomas Swan has presence and covers Black Swan’s Graphene NanoPlatelets, Graphene Enhanced Masterbatch and GEMTM products.
