Our History

The history of the group of companies that makes up Dormole, dates to February 1972 and the opening of CA Clemson and Sons Ltd in the West Midlands. Founded by Arthur Clemson and John Twallin, this was the first branch of the hand and power tool wholesale distribution group now known as Toolbank.

Dormole Ltd is a privately owned company, incorporated in 1974 specifically for the purpose of acquiring the second branch, Kent tool wholesaler Curtis Holt Ltd based in Dartford. Clemson and Dormole opened more new branches but remained separate companies with common shareholders. They have always been known and effectively traded as one company, but it was not until 2017 when Dormole acquired Clemson that it became the parent company of the whole group.

Dormole is a holding company and trades entirely through its subsidiaries that primarily specialise in the distribution and brand development of hand tools, power tools and related consumables and accessories to resellers. Dormole’s customer base includes trade, industrial and agricultural merchants, buying groups, specialist DIY and hardware stores and online retailers.

For the first 25 years of its existence, Dormole’s business was entirely focused on Toolbank, the trading banner for all Clemson and Dormole branches. In 2000 it acquired a minority stake in Home Hardware Distribution before purchasing Olympia Tools outright in 2009. The company has continued to deliver growth through its core business and through acquisition. In 2014 Galleon Investments (Dartford) Ltd was created specifically to focus on acquisitions and to ensure that newer members of the group receive the attention, focus and investment they require to flourish.    

Dormole’s core philosophy is to work closely with its customers and suppliers to develop business in a personal, professional and efficient manner. Dormole is proud to have such a strong and loyal team of employees who understand that the company only prospers if it meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of the customers and suppliers on whom we rely for our business. Dormole has acquired companies with a similar customer base or market sector to its core business and the group share of those companies has grown significantly over the last decade. The group trades mainly in the UK and Ireland but also has a minority stake in Denuziere based in Lyon and a new business venture in the Netherlands.

Dormole continues to re-invest in its business, in new products, distribution facilities and technology to ensure it can provide its customers with the best possible levels of service and to support them in a manner that suits them best.