DKSH in Great Britain

DKSH Great Britain can trace its roots back over 100 years, with our founding operation incorporated in 1904.

The company was formerly known as FW Coombe Ltd. Located in East London, FW Coombe was a manufacturer of liquid glues, cements and adhesives. The company logo was a British Bulldog with a Union Jack flag incorporating the motto "You Can Stick It."

In October 1947, the company merged and changed its name to Mendine Products Ltd., while continuing to manufacture glues and adhesives. It also became a broker and trader of a wide range of products used by the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, coating, and chemicals industries. This formed the blueprint of the business today.

Later in 1947, the company was acquired by L.J. Rickards, a trading company, although it continued to operate as Mendine Products. It was not until November 1966, that the company finally changed its trading name to L.J Rickards and Co. Ltd.

This company was ultimately sold to SiberHegner Holdings Ltd. in July 1968, and four years later relocated from East London to Beckenham in Kent.

During the summer of 2008, the company merged with Diethelm Keller Services Asia, and in May 2007, DKSH Great Britain moved to Wimbledon.

In recent years the company's strategy has been to concentrate its efforts on value-added high-technology products for specialty markets. Current specialist applications include novel and bespoke chemicals for the paints, inks, adhesives, sealants, film, packaging, and coatings markets, as well as active substances and fine chemicals for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Our Business Lines covering the food and cosmetics industries specialize in functional, natural, and active health ingredients.

To this day, one of the company's original products from 1904, a specialty chemical called casein, is still sold regularly to a number of UK adhesives manufacturers.

For over 100 years, the company has evolved in Great Britain from humble beginnings to become the pioneer Market Expansion Services leader, with a solid global presence and the foundations for a strong and prosperous future.