A Canadian company, T.S. Simms & Co. has acquired a solid reputation in the painting tool sector. The Simms Company began in 1866 and has enjoyed offering superior craftsmanship and technology with each product. Service quality, committed staff and excellent customer relationships are all part of their success.



Simms combines current automated manufacturing systems with traditional skills from our craftspeople. The business is renowned for stellar paint applicator products that exceed client expectations. The paint brushes and rollers are perfect for offering superb quality. A large variety of our roller trays and plastic tray products have become the industry standard. We offer one of the more diverse painting tool offerings for homeowners and professionals.

Simms History

This business started in 1866 with Thomas Stockwell Simms launching it. Mr. Simms purchased a small broom and brush company with funds as a Veteran from the American Civil War with his bonus and soldiers’ back pay. This business migrated in 1872 to Saint John, New Brunswick. This port destination became well regarded for its shipbuilding efforts and famous around the world.

Thomas Simms was a accomplished man who endured through numerous hardships. He lost two spouses and struggled with a terribly disastrous factory fire. He managed to focus even with these tragedies and powered his company forward.



Simms loved to travel and visited China in the 1900s. He became one of the initial brush manufacturers to make agreements to obtain his bristles directly. He took part in the lay missionary initiative. As a testament to his determination and generous efforts, the Simms Memorial Baptist Church is located in India with a robust congregation.

Lewis Wesley Simms

After the founding father perished in 1908, Lewis Wesley Simms took over managing the Company. Over the next fifty years, Lewis Simms presided as the President. LW had a strong presence and a compelling personality. He expanded the organization his father began from regional to nationwide. LW developed and promoted automated brushmaking equipment, revolutionizing the industry. He was successful in attaining national popularity within the Canadian business market. Mr. Simms took over as president of the Canadian Manufacturing Association as well as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

LW Simms was inducted posthumously within the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame and even into the Canadian Hardware Houseware Manufacturing Association Industry’s Hall of Fame. Described as a visionary business leader and master of employee relations, the evidence of the successful business speaks for itself.



The founder’s great-grandson, Thomas Stockwell Simms III persists growing the company’s strong integrity, building on the heritage that founded the business. By creating a seasoned and creative labor force, stable management and colourful marketing, the plant capacity centered on new product development and innovation with investments in the latest equipment.

The marketing and advertising head office and customer care are located in Saint John, NB. The warehouse and manufacturing unit is found in Erin, Ontario. The company’s success can be attributed to its reliable quality and service and positive business ethics.