History

Celebrating 75 years of Dimplex

Our history

Welcome to the history of Dimplex

This year Dimplex celebrates its 75th anniversary, having been founded in 1949. As we look back through the rich history of the business a quote from 1966 which featured on a leaflet given to visitors of the factory sets the scene well for the brand almost sixty years after it was made.

Warmly welcoming customers, acknowledging the technical innovation required to succeed, and placing great value on the people that make it all possible are all values that still hold true today.

" As Charman of Dimplex Industries I should like to welcome you to our works and I hope you will enjoy the visit.

Walking around, you will see some impressive buildings and some equally impressive plant and machinery. But none of these things would have been possible had it not been for the loyalty and enthusiasm of our employees over the years. Without people of these qualities, no organisation can hope to succeed in a competitive world. To them, I say thank you and to you, welcome to Dimplex. "

EJ Wade - Chairman of Dimplex, 1966

An advert from the 1980s promoting downflow fan heaters and radiant bar fires

How did Dimplex get it's name?

The origins of Dimplex's name are rooted in one of the very first heating products Dimplex manufactured, an oil-filled radiator. This early model featured distinctive dimples on its surface, a design that not only improved its performance but also inspiring the name that would become synonymous with quality and innovation in the heating industry. The dimpled design was a practical solution, enhancing rigidity and making the radiator more efficient through better heat distribution. But beyond its functionality, those dimples left a lasting impression, leading to the creation of the name "Dimplex."

Acquisition and rebrand

During the 1950s & 1960s the growth of the brand was meteoric, however in the 1970s, amidst great economic uncertainty, the company was acquired by Glen, to form Glen Dimplex, marking the brand’s re-birth.

Growth and innovation

In 1987, Dimplex acquired Creda due to the brand's melding of cutting edge technology and contemporary product design.

The evolution of Dimplex gathered real pace in the early 1990s as the Group entered a new phase of growth through acquisition. This period of relentless investment in research, innovation, and design saw Dimplex grow exponentially, establishing itself as a global leader in electric comfort solutions.

In 2006, Dimplex aquired Xplelair, gaining access to their 55 years of knowlege and experience in the ventilation industry.

Storage Heaters

Portable Heaters

Supplementary Heaters

Fan Heaters

Early innovations

Innovation has always been at the heart of Dimplex's oporations. Starting in the late 1950s, Dimplex worked with the regional electricity boards to develop thermal storage technologies. These used the excess nighttime baseload from the new nuclear generation to store cheap energy for daytime use. In 1961 Dimplex produced the first domestic storage heater. These early innovations were crucial in establishing Dimplex as a leader in the industry and set the stage for the advanced technologies available in this category today.

2024: Rebrand and endorsed brands

2024 saw the return to trading under the Dimplex name, while still remaining part of the Glen Dimplex Group. Dimplex also moved to endorse the other Glen Dimplex brands in the UK. This includes Xpelair, Ability and SmarterDM, bringing together the combined capabilities of the modern business in the HVAC sector.

Every day, Dimplex’s integrated and intelligent low-carbon systems for heating, cooling and ventilation are used in homes and buildings around the world.