It all started in Milwaukee with the novel invention of the washfountain… and the rest is Bradley’s rich 90-year manufacturing history, which continues to change the way people wash their hands.

Since Bradley Corporation was founded in 1921, innovation has been the cornerstone of the Wisconsin-manufacturer’s growth and success in the commercial plumbing industry. The washfountain, which was designed in 1917 by Harry Bradley (founder of Allen Bradley Corporation), was meant to save workers’ washing time, floor space and water consumption in factories. This pioneering “group” handwashing fixture set the tone early on for the company’s vision and success.

Today, headed by CEO Donald Mullett, the fourth Mullett generation to lead the company along with sons Bryan, Erik and Christopher, Bradley continues to design and manufacture innovative commercial plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories and partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers. The American-made products are used in a variety of the commercial, industrial, health care, recreation, education, government and corrections markets worldwide.

The washfountain -- 90 years later

“Starting with the concept of the washfountain, which is still manufactured 90 years later, Bradley continues to reinvent exciting new washroom technologies,” says Jon Dommisse, director of marketing and product development for Bradley Corp. “From lavatory systems to showers to washroom accessories to solid surface materials, our products have changed the way people wash their hands in public, while providing facility managers a variety of durable, attractive and efficient restroom solutions.

“In addition, our complete line of emergency drench showers and eyewashes helps keep people safer in labs, shop environments and food processing plants worldwide, and our original solid plastic LenoxTM Lockers have created a welcome alternative to old-fashioned metal lockers.”

One of the latest examples of Bradley’s handwashing innovation is the VergeTM Lavatory System, which is characterized by its sleek and modern design, as well as its durability and low-maintenance features. The Verge incorporates a beautifully sculpted elongated basin with a hidden drain, conveying upscale sophistication. The lavatory is made with Bradley’s new EveroTM Natural Quartz Material, a resilient natural composite material, which has the natural look of granite without the maintenance.

Bradley is also making restrooms greener based on its 90 years of developing water-conserving products. “From day one our mission has been to manufacture green products and technologies that help customers reduce water consumption and energy costs,” Dommisse says. “We use recycled materials and new technologies, such as photovoltaics, in our products, and continue to make our manufacturing processes more efficient with less waste.”

Bradley’s annual Green Manufacturing Summit is another demonstration of the company’s leadership in sustainable business practices. For the past three years Bradley has sponsored the free community event with Focus on Energy and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The Summit gathers hundreds of local business executives to explore innovative green business strategies that make companies more efficient and productive while reducing operating costs.

“In addition to industry leadership and innovation,” Dommisse explains, “we attribute our success to an important Bradley tradition, which is to treat its customers, representatives, and employees like family.”

For 90 years, Bradley Corporation has designed and manufactured commercial washfountains, and today is the industry's comprehensive source for plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Bradley serves the commercial, industrial, health care, recreation, education, and corrections markets worldwide.