Multibrands International is a multinational Fast-Moving Consumer Goods company with headquarters in Bradford, Pune and Suzhou. It was founded in 1998 by Imran and Rizwana Hussain in Bradford and it is known for manufacturing Home Care products, Personal Care products and Beverages and high performance . The company currently exports its products in more than 100 countries, thus covering extended areas of EU, the Middle East, Asia, USA, and the Southern Hemisphere.
History
1990–2001 In 1998, Multibrands is incorporated as a wholesale supply business trading in locally sourced global brands. In 1999, Multibrands sources the first container of grey market brands from Asia. Within the same year, it launches its first home product - EasyLite and Spark lighters. In 2000, Multibrands opens up imports from India and the Middle East. One year later, it opens trade links in the South American, African and Russian markets. 2002–2012 By importing branded goods on the grey market, Multibrands purchases the products at the best price and then redistributes them at more competitive prices in the United Kingdom. By 2002, Multibrands is declared the largest parallel goods trader in the UK. In 2003, PZ Cussons objects to this practice of parallel trading and takes court action against Multibrands to stop them from importing and selling the Cussons brand of Imperial Leather soap at cheaper prices. Cussons wins the case and this way seizes 230,000 bars of soap from Multibrands premises. The ruling is later criticised by the consumers association who call for an end to the practice of price fixing by manufactures and suggest that EU markets should be opened up for fair and more competitive trade to end the Rip-Off Britain culture. Later in 2003, Multibrands faces up to the challenge of no longer being able to parallel trade and totally restructures the company, developing its own brand of FMCG products. In 2004, the company therefore launches a new product - Ultraloc super glue. Further products follow, as in 2005 Multibrands goes on and introduces Supacell batteries, Essence feminine hygiene products, Tushies baby wipes and Fluorodine toothpaste. In 2006, the company registers its first global export. In 2007, Multibrands starts publishing the Brand News brochure with monthly circulation in excess of 250,000. That same year, Supacell rechargeable batteries are created, using the highest standards in manufacturing. In 2008, their catalogue gains three new products: Duraplast Adhesive bandage, Unity condoms and Lipice lip balm. As the business is constantly growing, the company starts doing telesales in India with over 50 employees who deal directly with UK independent stores and the pharmacy sector. That same year, Hunnies and Tushies baby wipes are launched on the market. In 2009, the company redevelops Spark lighters and extends the Fluorodine range with a set of toothbrushes and mouthwash. In the following year, Multibrands opens a new global base, office and warehouse in Suzhou, China. In 2010, additional new products are created: U-Stick adhesive stick and U-Tac reusable putty. In 2011, a new global base opens in Pune, India, in order to serve the Head Office for numerous administrative functions and at the same time, enabling it to undertake a much bigger and more efficient level of international trade. That same year, a new generation of Duraplast plasters is created. In order to become more sales efficient, Multibrands’ online shop becomes available in 2012. 2013–2016 In June 2014, Imran Hussain purchases Royds Hall, an 800 years old manor, thus setting the steps for a new Multibrands venture. When faced with replacing all the old incandescent light bulbs with LED ones in the manor, Imran soon realizes that most brands on the market are either too cheap and low end, or far too expensive. When this added up to the far too complicated packaging, which made it difficult to choose the right cap and shape needs, Imran had his own light bulb moment. Originating from the lamps and lighting industry, he starts researching in order to develop a new LED light bulbs brand that would meet the consumers’ actual needs. Therefore, in late 2015, Multibrands launches Supacell LED, their own complete range of LED light bulbs. Supacell LED is developed using A+ Smart LED technology, which ensures up to 90% energy savings. The range is showcased from this point on at every major international trade show: the Spring Fair and the Autumn Fair at the NEC Birmingham, LED Expo India, Hong Kong International Fair and Light Middle East in Dubai. The brand also becomes a sponsor for various bloggers at social media events. The products start being retailed online, on platforms such as eBay, Online Pound Store and International lamps, followed by major retailers, such as Poundland.
