• A SCOTTISH FAMILY

    AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Who we are

Alexander Ross Holdings is a family-owned trading group based in Falkirk, Central Scotland. The group comprises three companies: Unico, Montague Lloyd and The Scottish Fine Soaps Company

The group dates from 1923 when a local man, Robert Ross, established a chemical manufacturing business. The Ross family expanded into soap manufacturing with the launch of The Scottish Fine Soaps Company in 1974, and Alexander Ross Holdings was founded in 1987 to incorporate the two businesses. In 1992 Montague Lloyd (a hotel amenities business) was purchased from Aer Lingus to operate as a trading division of Unico. Today, the Alexander Ross Holdings Group has a turnover of £16 million and is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization with an excellent reputation throughout the industries in which it operates.

Our Story


member Image

Robert Ross

1883-1944

Founder

The group dates from 1923 when a local man, Robert Ross, established a chemical manufacturing business – the Union Chemical Company (now known as Unico).

the Union Chemical Company
member Image

Alexander Ross

1913-1995

Founded the Janitorial business

Unico is one of the UK’s leading independent janitorial companies, offering a full range of hygiene, catering and safety solutions to customers across both public and private sector. Fully accredited by leading trade bodies, the company manufactures and supplies its own Unico-branded products as well as acting as a distributor for other manufacturers, including Kimberly-Clark, Procter & Gamble and Diversey.

member Image

Derek Ross

Founded The Scottish Fine Soaps Company

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company creates luxury bath and beauty collections which are retailed in over 30 countries worldwide. Following a recent brand refresh, the company aims to differentiate itself within a competitive marketplace through use of natural, active ingredients and a distinctive contemporary Scottish style.

member Image

Robert Ross

Managing Director

For 90 years, the business has passed down the Ross family line and now has a 4th generation Ross as Managing Director, another Robert Ross.

Unico Direct

Unico is a janitorial supplier, chemical manufacturer and stockist of catering supplies and industrial safety equipment. It provides a full range of cleaning, hygiene, janitorial products and personal protection equipment.

Uniting all your hygiene, catering and safety solutions

Unico is proud to be regarded as one of the UK’s leading independent janitorial companies and has established links with the major brand suppliers as well as having a strong presence in the hotel and leisure market.

The company is a member of The United Kingdom Cleaning Professionals Academic Service, The British Institute of Cleaning Science, The Hygiene Supplies Association and is ISO 9001:2008 certified.

www.unicodirect.com

Montague Lloyd Products

Montague Lloyd


Montague Lloyd is one of the UK’s leading hotel amenity suppliers, working in conjunction with The Scottish Fine Soaps Company. For Montague Lloyd, being part of a group such as this really gives a competitive edge as it provides access to a wealth of resources it would not have as a standalone business – including highly trained technical staff, logistics expertise, excellent buying power and a proven track record of creating great products.

Montague Lloyd has a wide client portfolio, varying in size, location and requirements. The company is committed to working with its clients to find the best wholesale toiletries options for their business. Minimum order values are kept low to ensure that boutique hotels and guest houses are catered for; in addition products are stocked at a variety of price points so there is something for every need.

The company believes it is a combination of industry experience, great personal service and fantastic hotel toiletries products that sets it apart from the competition and ensures customers stay loyal year after year.

www.montaguelloyd.com

Unico Direct

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company sells luxury soap, bath and beauty collections and gifts through outlets and online, in the UK and in over 30 countries, as well as directly through its sales team to Germany and Austria. It also has expertise in contract manufacture for top brands such as Fortnum & Mason and Agent Provocateur.

The company has a clear mission: to create beautiful soap, skincare and bathing products for the retail market. It supplies a diverse range of customers, including international retail groups, department stores, boutiques and gift shops.

Au Lait Cow

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, the company has recently invested in a new brand identity to broaden its appeal and build its brand and reputation with consumers both in the UK and overseas.

www.scottishfinesoaps.com

The Future

The Group focuses firmly on the future with continual investment in all parts of the business. The delivery fleet is being constantly upgraded, moving to more fuel-efficient modern vehicles. The manufacturing facilities receive continuous attention, with a drive to increase capacity and produce more products on-site in Scotland.

The Directors recognise the importance of excellent people in the business, and continually offer personal development training to employees and look to recruit the brightest and best new talent. With an on-site lab and full-time PhD chemist, the Group invests heavily in new product development, keeping ahead of the curve with its knowledge and expertise in infection control and natural products.

Continuous improvement

Embracing technology

Group recognises the importance of e-commerce and digital marketing in developing sales growth, as well as engaging current customers and communicating with potential ones. Each subsidiary has a website that focuses on maximising market growth opportunities and sales potential with an integrated digital strategy at Group level.

Environmental commitment

The Group’s commitment to the environment is demonstrated through continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, procurement of raw materials and packaging. The Group holds the Carbon Trust Standard for reductions in carbon footprint, and is ISO 14001 certified for Environment Management and OHSAS 18001 certified for Health and Safety.


Contact Us

Alexander Ross Holdings Limited
North Main Street
Carronshore
Falkirk
FK2 8HT
Scotland
Tel: +44 (0)1324 573400
Fax: +44 (0)1324 573403
Email: enquiries@alexanderross.co.uk
Web - www.alexanderross.co.uk
Registered in Scotland No. SC104728