Bissell
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Vacuum cleaners, floor care products |
| Founded | 1876 |
| Founder | Melville Bissell |
| Headquarters | Walker, Michigan , United States |
Area served | North America |
| Products | Vacuum cleaners, carpet shampooers, floor care products, pet-care cleaning tools |
| Website | www |
Bissell Inc., operating under the name Bissell Homecare, is a privately held American manufacturer specializing in vacuum cleaners and floor care products, with its headquarters situated in Walker, Michigan. The company commands a leading position in the North American floor care sector, holding approximately 20% of the sales market share.
History
The initial carpet sweeping device was developed by Melville Bissell to maintain cleanliness in the crockery store he ran alongside his wife, Anna. This invention, known as the Bissell Carpet Sweeper, was patented in 1876. The firm established its inaugural production facility in Grand Rapids by 1883. By the decade of the 1890s, Bissell had expanded internationally and was manufacturing around 1,000 sweepers daily.
Following Melville’s passing in 1889, Anna Bissell assumed leadership as company president until 1919 and subsequently served as chairperson of the board until 1934.
Over time, the business diversified from producing mechanical sweepers to including vacuum cleaners and carpet shampooing machines.
Today
In 2004, Bissell secured the licensing rights for the Woolite brand, which encompasses carpet and upholstery cleaning products, at a cost of $62 million. The company broadened its portfolio by entering the pet-care segment, designing specialized tools and cleaning solutions targeted at removing pet hair and stains. During the economic downturn when many competitors experienced reduced sales, Bissell maintained consistent revenue levels. By 2009, it overtook Hoover to become North America’s foremost floor-care brand. As of 2020, its leading product, the Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Pro, dominated the carpet shampooer market.
Bissell has also enhanced its brand visibility through sponsorship of the Bissell Pro Cycling Team. The company actively supports its charitable initiative, the Bissell Pet Foundation, which allocates a portion of proceeds from every sale to aid pet rescue operations and provide grants to animal welfare organizations nationwide.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Vacuum cleaner manufacturers
- Manufacturing companies based in Michigan
- Companies based in Kent County, Michigan
- American companies established in 1876
- Manufacturing companies established in 1876
- 1876 establishments in Michigan
- Privately held companies based in Michigan
- Home appliance manufacturers of the United States
- American brands
- Family-owned companies of the United States