75 Years of Adapting to an Ever Changing Cleaning Industry
Seventy-five years is a long time in manufacturing.
Since Ramon Knitting Company was founded in Leicester in July 1951, the professional cleaning industry has changed beyond recognition. Materials have evolved, hygiene standards have become more demanding, distribution models have transformed and customer expectations have never stood still.
Yet throughout those changes, one thing has remained constant. Ramon has continued to manufacture in the UK while adapting to meet the changing needs of distributors and cleaning professionals.
Today, as Ramon Hygiene celebrates its 75th anniversary, the business looks very different from the textile manufacturer established in the heart of Leicester’s knitting industry over seven decades ago. The product range has expanded, manufacturing has become increasingly automated and the business now supplies distributors throughout the UK with one of the broadest ranges of traditional cleaning consumables available from a single manufacturer.
Investing in British Manufacturing
Manufacturing in Britain has become increasingly challenging over recent decades. Rising costs, global competition and changing supply chains have encouraged many businesses to move production overseas.
Ramon has taken a different approach.
Since becoming part of the Empress Garland Group (EGL) in 2015, the business has benefited from being part of one of the UK’s largest manufacturing groups serving the cleaning sector.
With EGL Homecare recognised as the UK’s largest manufacturer of abrasive and non-scratch scourers and a leading producer of chemically bonded non-woven cloths, the group has strengthened its UK manufacturing capability while allowing Ramon to continue developing its own specialist expertise in textile cloths and traditional socket mops.
Rather than reducing domestic manufacturing, investment has continued.
In 2019, Ramon completed a new 21,000 square foot warehouse at its Thurmaston headquarters, increasing storage capacity by around 3,000 pallet spaces. The additional facility improved stock availability, supported future growth and created the capacity needed for expanding product ranges.
More recently, investment has focused on modernising UK mop production.
Following the introduction of two new automated production lines, annual socket mop manufacturing capacity now exceeds 15 million units, making Ramon one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of traditional socket mops.
For distributors, this investment provides something increasingly valued within today’s market — reliable UK supply backed by significant manufacturing capacity.
Innovation Driven by Everyday Problems
While investment in manufacturing has remained a priority, product innovation has continued to play an equally important role throughout Ramon’s history.
The latest example is Trinity, a patented socket system developed to solve one of the industry’s longest-standing frustrations.
For decades, traditional mop sockets have been designed around individual handle systems. Different sockets for different handles have created unnecessary complexity for distributors, procurement teams and cleaning contractors, often resulting in multiple product variants being stocked to support equipment already in circulation.
Developed over almost two years, Trinity was created to simplify that situation.
Compatible with Exel and SYR Interchange handles, alongside standard wooden and most commercial threaded handles, the design allows one socket to replace several traditional alternatives without requiring users to replace existing equipment.
For distributors, that means fewer product variations to manage. For customers, it offers greater flexibility while simplifying purchasing and stock management.
Improving More Than Products
Innovation has not been limited to the products themselves.
Like many manufacturers, Ramon faced significant challenges during the recent energy crisis. Rather than viewing rising energy costs simply as an operational issue, the business used the opportunity to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing facilities.
Investment in upgraded heating systems, heat recovery technology, improved insulation and enhanced environmental controls resulted in a 26% reduction in gas consumption compared with the previous year, while also creating a more comfortable working environment for employees.
These changes reflect a wider approach that has shaped the company throughout its history — making practical improvements that strengthen the business for the long term.
Looking Ahead
Reaching a 75-year milestone naturally invites reflection, but for Ramon Hygiene the focus remains firmly on the future.
Continued investment in manufacturing, closer alignment with the wider EGL Group and ongoing product development are all designed to support the distributors and professional cleaning professionals the business serves every day.
The cleaning industry continues to evolve, bringing new expectations around sustainability, operational efficiency and supply resilience. As it has done since 1951, Ramon intends to evolve with it.
After 75 years, that ability to adapt may be the company’s greatest achievement.
Make sure not to miss the latest company updates and promotions sign up to our newsletter