Soaring demand prompts relocation for growing sustainable manufacturer

The Friendly Chemical Co (FCC), a manufacturer founded in Keighley, is moving to a 10,000 sq ft production facility in nearby Skipton due to rising demand for its eco-friendly cleaning ranges.

The new facility provides the company with an opportunity for further expansion, as demand for its products climbs with retailers such as Booths, Holland & Barratt and The Vegan Kind.

FCC is a specialist producer of cleaning and personal care products. It operates on a “closed loop” system, collecting empty packaging from customers, then cleaning and refilling these on the production line.

Customers can also access refill stations up and down the country to top up their products, with the business now supplying 2,000 zero waste and farm stores across the UK.

The company was established by Emma Tapper and Scott Rudd from their garage in 2017. It has experienced rapid growth ever since and is on track for revenues of £3m in FY22.

Tapper said: “The response to FCC has been incredible. It’s hard to believe that what started in our garage now requires a complex production line in a 10,000 sq ft warehouse.

“Consumers are very aware of the impact their choices are having on the environment and are looking for ways to reduce this. At FCC, we provide a solution, with an ethos to leave the planet without a trace.

“To see major retailers, such as Booths, choose us to launch their first ever closed loop system is really encouraging. We need the big brands to get on board and facilitate widespread change.

“This move will enable us to continue fulfilling these large contracts and continue to disrupt this industry.”