The T.S. Simms & Co. Canadian Company has a deep history as a top-quality painting tool developer. The Simms Company started off in 1866 and has enjoyed delivering superior craftsmanship and technology with each product. Exceptional staff makes and delivers sought-after products that have transformed the painting industry.



Simms harmonizes modern computerized manufacturing methods with skilled craftspeople on staff to deliver exceptional items. The business is recognized for stellar paint applicator products that exceed client expectations. The paintbrushes and paint rollers display the best materials in their persistence for quality. A large variety of our roller trays and plastic tray products are actually the industry standard. DIY’ers, painting professionals and homeowners can enjoy our immense array of painting tools to complete any job seamlessly.

Simms History

In 1886, Thomas Stockwell Simms started the Simms Company. As an American Civil War Veteran, he utilized his soldiers’ bonus and back pay in a small brush and broom business in Portland, Maine. In 1872, this start-up company transferred to Saint John, New Brunswick. This was a rather busy port city at this period, famous around the globe for its’ shipbuilding contributions.

Simms endured numerous issues but was a talented man who persisted and found success. Sadly, he outlived two wives and had a devastating factory fire to contend with. Nonetheless, he did not give up and was fortunate to forge ahead despite these tragedies.



Simms preferred to travel and traveled to China in the 1900s. He became one of the initial brush makers to make arrangements to buy his bristles directly. He was involved with the lay missionary movement. The Simms Memorial Baptist Church is situated in India and is regarded as a significant enterprise.

Lewis Wesley Simms

In 1908, Lewis Wesley Simms became the company leader after his father passed on. He was the corporation President for the next five decades.. His strong personality and instructing presence made him a dominant leader. The company extended from its regional roots to turn into a national business. LW developed and marketed automated brushmaking equipment, revolutionizing the industry. He was successful in attaining national prominence within the Canadian business economy. He took over as President of the Canadian Manufacturing Association plus the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

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



Staying in the family, Thomas Stockwell Simms III continues the founding cultures and integrity the business started from. By developing a seasoned and creative workforce, stable management and colourful merchandising, the plant capacity focused on new product advancement and innovation with investments in the current equipment.

Nowadays, customer satisfaction, head office and our sales and marketing are situated in Saint John, NB. The business manufacturing facility and warehouse hub can be found in Erin, Ontario. Healthy business ethics, impressive product quality and excellent customer service all contribute to the company’s success.