James M Brown Ltd

James M Brown Ltd was established in 1926 on its present site at Napier Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, originally to manufacture zinc oxide for the paint industry. Cadmium pigment production began in the 1930s, and the founding family retained an interest until 1945, when half the business was sold to the Tennant Group; James M Brown continued to run the company until his retirement in 1954, after which Tennants took full ownership.

The company later diversified into metallic stearates and, following its 2007 acquisition of Multicel Pigmentos in Sao Paulo, describes itself as the world’s largest manufacturer of cadmium pigments, with sites in England and Brazil. It also acts as UK and Ireland distributor for several international partners, including Cabot speciality carbon blacks, Heubach pigments, Pritty pearlescent pigments and HZO zinc oxide, and is a member of the UK Chemical Industry Association.