In a world where many businesses come and go, Dosco stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Since its foundation in 1884, Dosco has remained a 100% Irish owned family business and today is Ireland’s only brush manufacturer. The Hardware Journal recently spoke with George Kenefick, Sales Director.
From the start D O’Sullivan & Co (Dosco) focused on hard-working, quality cleaning products. 140 years later, keeping Irish homes spick and span is still at the core of everything they do.
The company was established by Denis O’Sullivan in 1884, the same year as Marks & Spencer and the GAA, on Lavitt’s Quay in Cork City, moving at the turn of the twentieth century to Merchant’s Quay, now the site of Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre.
During those early days the premises were multi story. All raw materials had to be hauled up to the top floors to be manufactured into the various products, then brought down to ground level for dispatch. The first products were mainly brushes for road sweeping, cleaning shoes, for removing distemper from walls, cleaning firesides and chimney sweeping. The majority were made by hand, using tar to bind the bristles together before being inserted into the wooden stocks (heads). In the 1960s the business relocated to South Douglas Road, just outside the city, where it remains today.
At one time Ireland had several brush manufacturers. Dosco continues to thrive by retaining the qualities customers have always valued, while evolving to meet the needs of transformed homes and workplaces.
“This year, Dosco were thrilled to be shortlisted as finalist in the Manufacturing Excellence Awards. This recognition highlights the dedication to quality, innovation and excellence in manufacturing. It was an honour to be acknowledged among industry leaders, reflecting the hard work and commitment of our entire team” says George.
“As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honour four exceptional staff members who have each dedicated over 40 years to our company, combined over 160 years. Their commitment and loyalty are truly inspirational, reflecting their unwavering belief in our mission and values. These individuals have not only witnessed but have also been pivotal in our company’s growth and evolution”.
“Their wealth of knowledge and experience has been invaluable, guiding generations and fostering a culture of excellence. As we celebrate their incredible journey, we express our deepest gratitude and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and achievement, inspired by their extraordinary service and commitment. We feel that our very low staff turnover is a key reason for the excellent service levels we provide to our customers”.
The company wishes to extend sincere thanks to its loyal customers and dedicated workforce. “Our long serving committed employees have been the backbone of our success, and our loyal customers have made everything possible. Together, they have shaped Dosco into the trusted, beloved brand it is today.”
For 140 years, Dosco has been synonymous with quality and durability. What began as a modest brush manufacturing enterprise has grown into a household name, distributing a diverse array of products that cater to everyday needs.
Altogether, every area of the home and garden is now covered:
- Painting accessories – brushes, rollers, sandpaper, masking tape, and more
- Indoor cleaning – floors, sweeping and mopping, kitchen sink side, bathroom mats – indoor and outdoor entrance mats, kitchen, patio, etc.
- Textiles – tea towels, microfibre, stockinette dish cloths.
- Laundry – baskets, pegs, lines.
- Household plastic for cleaning and storage
And of course, the Dosco red yard brush stands out as a staple in households across Ireland.
The full catalogue of products can be viewed on the website www.doitwithdosco.ie
“Dosco takes great pride in the service level delivered to consumers. Our customers are at the heart of every decision we make and every new product we develop and bring to the Irish market. We aim to continue to improve on our service standards and the range of products we supply.”
Improving quality underpins all new product development at Dosco.
George sums up the ethos: “We have worked very hard ever since 1884 to ensure that when you buy a Dosco branded product, you know you are purchasing an exceptional product suited for the job at hand. We source throughout the world to bring the best products to the Irish market, but even more importantly, we provide great reasons for consumers to buy Irish. In June 2021 Dosco was delighted to move production from machines dating from the 1960’s (programmed by old style card system) to digitally driven machines by taking ownership of a new, state of the art brush manufacturing machine, the Zahoransky Z-Wasp”.
Dosco is proud to be a member of Guaranteed Irish, an organisation that embodies the essence of quality, community and integrity in Ireland “Being part of Guaranteed Irish signifies our dedication to excellence and sustainability, aligning our values with those that prioritize Irish heritage and innovation. It is an honour to join a network of likeminded companies striving for positive social and economic impact. Together we celebrate and promote the very best of Irish enterprise, craftsmanship and community spirit”.
“We are also proud to be members of the Cork Chamber of Commerce, Repak, and Hardware Association Ireland (HAI). These memberships reflect our commitment to business excellence, sustainability, and industry standards. Through the Cork Chamber of Commerce, we engage with a vibrant network, fostering growth and innovation locally. Our partnership with Repak underscores our dedication to environmental responsibility and recycling”.
Being part of Hardware Association Ireland connects us with key industry players, ensuring we stay at the forefront of best practices.
Together with HAI, Dosco hopes to launch their new eCourse training module in the coming months to equip those new to the sector and those who never did a course with a knowledge and skills base that will enable them to contribute to the business and to build a successful career in the sector”.
“Together, these affiliations enhance our ability to contribute positively to our community and industry”.
Looking to the future, Dosco has been actively seeking suitable premises around Cork to support its expansion plans. In an exciting development, the company recently purchased the old Henkel building in Wallingstown, Little Island. The move which is well underway marks a significant milestone in Dosco’s ongoing growth strategy.
“This new facility will provide us with the space and resources needed to enhance our production capabilities and better serve our customers,” George added. “We are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings and look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence from our new home in Little Island.”
With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, Dosco is set to continue its legacy as Ireland’s leading household brand, bringing quality and reliability to homes across the country. Managing Director, Pat Casey said “We are very proud of what Dosco has achieved over the last 140 years and the contribution it makes to the local and national economy. We look forward to a bright future for our business as we grow through expansion and investment”.
For more information about Dosco and their extensive range of products, visit www.doitwithdosco.ie
