Solo Sprayers Limited was originally known as the FNP Manufacturing Company Ltd and this company
was formed in 1926 in Birmingham, England. The purpose of the company is no longer clear but the
original two directors describe their occupations as brass founders. One year later the company
was purchased by Mr Henry Vale, who was the grandfather of the present managing director, and his business
partner, a Mr W Hood.
A year later in 1927 the "SOLO" Sprayer is first mentioned. There was an agreement between
Mr Denston of Thos. Denston & Son of Birmingham and the FNP Manufacturing Company who were to
act as selling agents for the sprayer. This arrangement continued for a number of years until
the death of Mr Denston in 1938.
All the business interests of Mr Denston were purchased by FNP Manufacturing Company and the
sprayers continued to be made in Birmingham by a Mr W Shelley Creak at the premises in Masshouse
Lane. In 1941 these premises were bombed and trading for the next year was very difficult. Trading
continued with great difficulty due to the problems of obtaining materials. To add to the problems
Mr Henry Vale died and his younger son Mr A G Vale took over the running of the company.
After the war Mr R H Vale, discharged from active service, took over as managing director from
his younger brother. Demand far exceeded the supply which could be obtained from the factory in
Birmingham so in 1948 it was decided to make the sprayers in Southend on Sea, Essex. At the same time
the company name "Solo Sprayers Ltd" was registered. The sprayers continued to be made in Southend with
an office in Gracechurch Street in the heart of the City of London. In 1952 new premises were
obtained in Eastwood just outside Southend. At this time Solo Sprayers Ltd took over the manufacture
and sales of the sprayer and FNP Manufacturing ceased trading.