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History
 The Thomas Wright-Thorite Group has its roots deeply seated in Bradford. It was here in 1850 that the great-great-grandfather of the present MD, Steve Wright, founded Thomas Wright (Bradford) Ltd. The company's primary function was to manufacture and supply washers for the spinning and roving machines used in the textile trade in Yorkshire. This product range gradually expanded to include many items used regularly in textile mills and dye houses.
The advent of the motor car at the turn of the century brought with it new opportunities for many, including Thomas Wright. Using existing methods applied to the new market, the company began manufacturing washers and oil seals for the burgeoning car industry. Between the 1930's and the 50's the company developed to become a leading Motor Factor and Mill Furnishing enterprise. The late 50's brought with it the first signs of things to come.
Through their existing factoring businesses, Thomas Wrights had built up strong connections with industrial air compressors. This led, at one stage, to the firm actually manufacturing air compressors under the now familiar Group trade name THORITE. These were sold to textile machinery manufacturers who exported them along with their own machinery.
 Teddy Wright, father of the present MD, Stephen, identified the potential for pneumatics and in 1960 the first branch dedicated to compressed air was opened in Leeds. Since that time the company has added further branches located throughout the North of England culminating with the purchase of Hogg Pneumatic Solutions in North Shields in 2006.
The Thorite name is derived from Thomas Wright, THOmas wRIghTE, and has become a global brand name for the company. The name Thorite very soon became synonymous with anything powered by compressed air, including air tools, spray guns, pneumatics and even air-driven pumping equipment. In 2000 we merged the 6 operating companies into Thomas Wright / Thorite Group Limited followed by, in 2002, adopting Thorite as our trading name throughout the group
 Thorite now has 9 branches offering compressors, compressor servicing, compressed air products, process valves, system design and hose and fittings with local stock of fast moving lines. With in excess of £1 million in backup stock in our National Distribution Centre we provide our customers with the choice of trade counter collection, same day and next day delivery services. In addition, customer-specific logistics solutions are available, including machine build kits and Just-In-Time deliveries. Customers can also order online, 24 hours a day, using the e-commerce service at www.thorite.co.uk.
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