Our History

Rag production has been in our family for four generations

We’re very proud of our legacy. Our business started when our great grandfather, A.H. Smith (Harry), bought Midland Wiper (or Midland Waste as it was known back then) in 1923.

Over the next century that followed, four decades of the Smith family came to run Midland Wiper, pioneering the way for rag production in the UK.

We are the largest rag production company in the UK

Our East Midlands factory produces over 1800 bags of rags every single day. Scroll down to discover our incredible journey over the years.

Midland Wiper: Our Story

1915

The Midland Waste Manufacturing Company was started by Mr A Stranger, supplying engine cleaning waste to H.M. Forces.

1923

Mr A.H. Smith brought the business, expanding the business into rag production.

1935-45

The business progressed with all production being geared towards the war.

1955

Previously, all wipers were packed in 1cwt (112lb) weights. Midland Waste Manufacturing Company introduced packing in 28lb and 56lb cartons, which was a great improvement at the time.

1973

We purchased new, larger premised a short walk away.

1975

We became the first rag company to provide a 10kg pack, moving on from cardboard packaging to plastic, pressed packs and setting the industry standard we know and use today.

We also renamed ourselves Midland Wiper Manufacturing Company – more fitting than Midland Waste!

1992

We obtained our ISO 9001 quality management standard, which we still have today.

2014

We became the first rag company to invest in a fully automated pack machine.

2025

We relocated to new premises, designed with upgraded electrical systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, and solar panels to reduce our environmental footprint. This move not only supports our commitment to growth but also reinforces our focus on the sustainability of the wipers we use.

Supplying through our trusted distributor network

Please note: we supply products exclusively to distributors, however if you're an end-user business looking to purchase our products, we’re happy to help. Simply send us your enquiry, and we will forward your details to one of our trusted distributors in your area who can assist you directly.

GET IN TOUCH

  • Established in 1915, we are the largest rag manufacturer in the UK

  • We use state-of-the-art machinery to sort our wipers

  • We produce and ship all our rags from our East Midlands factory

  • We only supply to distributors, so all our pricing stays competitive