A Canadian company, T.S. Simms & Co. has obtained a strong reputation in the painting tool market. Since 1866, the Simms Company has had a tradition of creativity and superior craftsmanship. Wonderful staff makes and delivers sought-after items that have completely changed the painting industry.



Simms synchronizes modern computerized manufacturing techniques with skilled craftspeople on staff to produce exceptional items. Simms aims to surpass expectations with each one of their paint applicator products. The paint brushes and rollers are perfect for offering exceptional quality. A large collection of our roller trays and plastic tray items have become the industry standard. We provide one of the most diverse painting tool offerings for homeowners and professionals.

Our History

This business started in 1866 with Thomas Stockwell Simms commencing it. Mr. Simms invested in a small broom and brush enterprise with funds as a Veteran from the American Civil War by using his bonus and soldiers’ back pay. This start-up operation proceeded to move to Saint John, NB in 1872. This was a busy port city at this point, famous around the globe for its’ shipbuilding contributions.

Thomas Simms was a skilled man who endured through numerous tribulations. He lost two wives and experienced a terribly disastrous factory fire. However, he did not give up and was willing to forge ahead despite having these tragedies.



Simms journeyed the globe. He was among the very first brush-makers to head over to China in the 1900s to shop for bristles directly. He was active in the lay missionary movement. As a testament to his dedication and generous efforts, the Simms Memorial Baptist Church is located in India with a robust congregation.

Lewis Wesley Simms

After the founding father passed away in 1908, Lewis Wesley Simms took over running the Company. Over the next half a century, Lewis Simms presided as the President. LW had a powerful presence and a dynamic personality. The company grew from a regional start to a national expansion. LW developed and marketed automated brushmaking equipment, revolutionizing the industry. Lewis Simms excelled in the Canadian industry arena and discovered national popularity. Mr. Simms took over as president of the Canadian Manufacturing Association in addition to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

LW Simms was posthumously awarded with a Canadian Hardware Houseware Manufacturing Association’s Industry Hall of Fame and also the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. Described as a visionary business leader and master of employee relations, the evidence of the successful company speaks for itself.



The founder’s great-grandson, Thomas Stockwell Simms III carries on growing the company’s sound integrity, building on the practices that founded the business. With state-of-the-art engineering, innovative products, eye-catching products, impressive management and an skilled and vivacious workforce, the business remains focused on exceeding expectations.

Nowadays, customer care, head office and our sales and marketing are situated in Saint John, NB. The business production line and warehouse hub can be found in Erin, Ontario. The company’s success can be influenced by its reliable quality and service and positive business ethics.