This year marks the 100th anniversary of Bradley Corp., an internationally renowned designer and manufacturer of innovative products and technologies — all created to improve the way the world washes.

A century strong, Bradley has led the industry with a multitude of innovations that make building environments more hygienic, functional, efficient and safe. Its advanced product offerings range from touchless handwashing technologies, showers, emergency safety fixtures, solid plastic lockers, partitions, and accessible washroom products and accessories.

It all started with Bradley’s first multi-user handwashing fixture — the iconic Washfountain — invented to increase worker productivity. Bradley was founded in 1921 by Howard A. Mullett after he and several partners bought the rights to the Washfountain from inventor Harry Bradley of the Allen-Bradley Corp. Bradley came up with the idea for the Washfountain after realizing the amount of time workers had to wait in line to wash their hands. He created the group handwashing concept to save time and keep workers on the shop floor. 

Today, headed by Chairman and CEO Bryan Mullett, the fifth Mullett generation to lead the company, Bradley has not wavered from its origin of product innovation. The company is now the industry’s premiere provider of product solutions that meet the needs of architects, specifiers, plumbing engineers and contractors worldwide.

"From day one, Bradley has been driven by generations of talented people, innovative designs and a clear vision for the future," Mullet said. "I am beyond proud of our employees and their accomplishments. Together we've built a true family bond that grows stronger every year." 

From Washfountains to WashBars

As Mullett explained, Bradley was founded on the concept of removing touchpoints from the handwashing process, beginning with the Washfountain, which was activated by a foot pedal.

“Bradley has always strived to make handwashing and drying easier — and more hygienic,” Mullett said. “Touchless handwashing has been relevant for a century but never more important than it is today as the world overcomes the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Most recently, products like Bradley's all-in-one touch-free WashBar, with smart clean+rinse+dry technology in a single fixture, further advanced touchless handwashing while forever changing the handwashing market. 

A Wisconsin manufacturing and business pioneer

Bradley remains committed to American manufacturing in Wisconsin, Mullet added. After establishing its manufacturing roots in Milwaukee, Bradley moved its headquarters to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 1964, where it still is today. The company established its second Wisconsin-based plant in Germantown in 2010. Another milestone took place in 1942, when Elizabeth Wetherell took the helm at Bradley, making her the first female president of a Wisconsin company. 

“Our company will celebrate all year long with several new innovative products launching soon,” Mullett said. “Whether washing hands, washing in the shower or cleaning up after an emergency, Bradley will lead the market with the most advanced washing technology available.”