Helix (stationery company)


Helix is a United Kingdom-based manufacturer of stationery. It exports to over 65 countries, with offices in Chicago and Hong Kong and has its UK headquarters in Kingswinford in the West Midlands.

History

Establishment

Helix was established in 1887 under the name 'The Universal Woodworking Company Ltd.; it manufactured wooden rulers and metal laboratory apparatus. In 1894, it patented the drawing compass and, with it, launched the Helix brand, following on from the initial success of the compass and rule. In 1912, the company's first mathematical set was created; and, in 1935, the brand "Helix Oxford" was launched. 1955 saw the company become known as the Helix Universal Company, and moved its headquarters to Lye, West Midlands. In the 1960s, the name again changed to Helix International Ltd.

Administration

In 2004, the company's factory in Lye ceased production. In January 2012, the company entered administration. On 8 February 2012 the company stated, "The joint administrators from Grant Thornton UK LLP are currently speaking to a number of interested parties and have received offers for the sale of the business as a going concern." One week later, the company was bought by the French Maped group.

Maped Helix

When Helix joined the Maped Helix Group the company changed its name to Helix Trading Ltd and moved its UK headquarters from Lye, West Midlands to nearby Kingswinford, where it has its showroom. In 2014 it reported sales of £8.5 million.

Brands