Bartoline aims for Spirit to clean up

Bartoline hopes its Clean Spirit alternative to white spirit will be the latest product to boost its turnover.

It spent three years developing the bio-degradable water based paint brush cleaner at its factory in Beverley, East Yorkshire.

Managing director Simon Barton said: “This is a really exciting and revolutionary new product in the DIY market. After use, every year hundreds of thousands of litres of toxic white spirit are poured down sinks and drains and get into Britain’s waterways. Either that, or institutions have to spend thousands safely disposing of the liquid.

“As a water-based cleaner, our Clean Spirit is a safer alternative. It is a product with excellent cleaning power but without the toxins, smell and flammability that can easily be disposed of after use by pouring down the sink.”

Bartoline, which has been run by the Barton family for four generations, had to be rebuilt from scratch after fire destroyed the factories, warehouses and offices in 2003.

But Mr Barton said that gave the company a one-off opportunity to build a modern and safe factory for the storage and packing of solvents, which has allowed the business to develop and grow.

Since the fire, annual turnover has increased from £8m to £23m and Bartoline, which employs 95 staff, hopes orders for Clean Spirit from major retailers will create a turnover record again this year.

Mr Barton said: “Eight years ago, we thought it was the end of Bartoline. And it has been a challenge to regain our place in the market.

“But not only have we done that, even in a recession, we are now leading the way.”

Bartoline’s Clean Spirit has attracted orders from all over the world, including the United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Cyprus and Estonia.

Mr Barton said: “Everyone is looking for green alternatives, and we hope this is the first of many environmentally friendly DIY products we can produce here in Beverley.

“As we spend more time and money on home improvements, it is important the products we use are as green as possible. Bartoline is proud to be leading the way.”