The T.S. Simms & Co. Canadian Company has a deep history as a top-quality painting tool producer. Since 1866, the Simms Company has had a tradition of innovation and superior craftsmanship. Having a devoted staff has built the company’s quality reputation supplying service and quality.



The mix of traditional craftspeople knowledge and modern automation give rise to the company’s success. Simms seeks to exceed expectations with each one of their paint applicator choices. The paintbrushes and paint rollers highlight the best materials in their commitment to quality. Many of our patented plastic tray designs and roller trays have become the industry standard. DIY’ers, painting professionals and homeowners can benefit from our immense range of painting tools to complete any job effortlessly.

Simms History

This business began in 1866 with Thomas Stockwell Simms commencing it. Mr. Simms purchased a small broom and brush business with funds as a Veteran from the American Civil War with his bonus and soldiers’ back pay. In 1872, this start-up business transferred to Saint John, New Brunswick. Saint John became famous world-wide for their contributions to shipbuilding.

Thomas Simms was a skilled man who persevered through several tribulations. He lost two spouses and experienced a terribly devastating factory fire. He was able to focus in spite of these tragedies and propelled his company ahead.



Simms loved to travel and visited China in the 1900s. He became one of the first brush manufacturers to make agreements to buy his bristles directly. He took part in the lay missionary initiative. As a testament to his dedication and generous efforts, the Simms Memorial Baptist Church can be found in India with a solid congregation.

Lewis Wesley Simms

Once his dad passed in 1908, Lewis Wesley Simms became the head of the enterprise. He was the corporation President for the next 50 years. LW had a enthusiastic presence and commanding personality. The company broadened from its regional roots to turn into a national business. Lewis developed automated brush-making equipment and endorsed it, changing the market forever. Lewis Simms excelled in the Canadian industry arena and discovered national recognition. He had become the President of the Canadian Manufacturing Association along with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

LW Simms was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Hardware Houseware Manufacturing Association’s Industry Hall of Fame as well as New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. He was described as a master of employee relations and a visionary in all things business-related. The achievements his company speaks volumes.



Thomas Stockwell Simms III, the great-grandson of the initiator, preserved the traditions of dependability and quality that the organization was founded on. Establishing strong leadership, creative and skilled employees and vivid merchandising, the plant purchased quality equipment to deliver innovative new products.

Nowadays, customer service, head office and our marketing and sales are situated in Saint John, NB. Erin, Ontario is the place Simms has their production line and warehouse. Healthy business ethics, impressive product quality and first-class customer service all promote the company’s success.