Our History

George Augustus Bobrick founded the Bobrick Chemical Company in Los Angeles, manufacturing waxes, ammonia, and other commercial cleaning products.

George Augustus Bobrick, founder of Bobrick Chemical Company, Los Angeles.

G. A. Bobrick was awarded a U.S. patent for the world’s first liquid soap dispenser. This innovation addressed a critical public health need by enabling more hygienic soap delivery in shared washrooms, replacing less sanitary bar soap methods.

Filed patent for Liquid Soap Dispenser. Shape.

At the request of the Pullman Car Company, Bobrick developed the first basin-mounted liquid soap dispenser for railway passenger cars, earning a second U.S. patent. This milestone extended hygiene solutions into mass transit, bringing sanitation to public infrastructure.

Bobrick basin-mounted liquid soap dispenser for railway passenger cars.

By the 1920s, Bobrick had sold over 250,000 soap dispensers across the United States. Growing awareness of sanitation standards and expanding construction activity accelerated adoption in schools, commercial buildings, and institutions. The company shifted from fragile glass to sturdy all-metal dispensers and developed centralized systems for multiple sinks.

Sop-O-Zon soap dispenser, Circa 1915 Model.

Bobrick sold its chemical business to focus entirely on washroom accessories and dispensing systems, sharpening its specialization in hygiene solutions.

Bobrick Chemical Company, 111 - 117 South Garey Street, Los Angeles, CA.

During World War II, Bobrick adapted its manufacturing capabilities to support the defense industry, producing aircraft components like fuel line valves and cable tension regulators for companies including Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Douglas, and Convair. Material shortages led to the development of the “Victory” model soap dispenser using durable plastic alternatives.

Vintage OOH Advertisement of Sop-O-Zon Soap Dispenser.

More than one million Bobrick dispensers were installed nationwide, including the first wall-mounted and lather soap dispensers. The company expanded operations to a 7,200 sq. ft. manufacturing facility with over 30 employees.

Sop-O-Zon Soap Dispenser, Circa 1937 - Model 7

William S. Louchheim acquired Bobrick and joined as partner and managing officer, marking the beginning of the company’s modern engineering-driven growth and a tradition of family ownership that continues today.

Portrait of William S. Louchheim.

Gordon S. Bodek joined to lead national sales and expand penetration in commercial buildings.

Portrait of Gordon S. Bodek.

As public infrastructure grew, so did the demand for durable, commercial-grade washroom solutions. Bobrick responded by replacing fragile glass with sturdy all-metal dispensers, creating centralised soap systems to serve multiple sinks, and developing powdered soap tailored to the needs of schools, banks, and industrial facilities.

Tank Type Soap Dispenser, Circa 1949 - Model 31

Bobrick celebrated its 50th anniversary with a four-page, two-color catalogue and strengthened its presence in the sanitary supply market.

On 50th anniversary, Four-page, two-colour catalogue published.

Bobrick appointed its first Architectural Representative, Lee Hanley of St. Louis, Missouri, establishing a direct connection with the architectural community and introducing a specification-based sales approach.

Lee Hanley, first architectural representative.

Bobrick introduced recessed stainless-steel multi-purpose units that combined multiple washroom accessories (e.g., soap and towel dispensers, shelf, mirror) into a single, space-saving assembly for stud wall construction. Architects described it as the most significant advancement in commercial washrooms in 50 years. This launched the Bob-Recessed line and pioneered product standardisation with satin-finish stainless steel and keyed-alike dispensers for easier maintenance.

Advertisement of recessed stainless-steel multi-purpose units.

Bobrick International was established to distribute products globally across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, marking the start of consistent, specification-based solutions worldwide.

Bobrick’s Global Footprint.

Bobrick marked its 60th year with a new 32,000 sq. ft. headquarters in North Hollywood, California, and a catalogue featuring more than 250 products.

Bobrick's Headquarter in North Hollywood, California.

William S. Louchheim became Chairman of the Board, Gordon S. Bodek President, and William S. Louchheim Jr. Treasurer. Bobrick introduced architecturally refined toilet partitions with concealed stainless-steel hardware, offering a durable and visually clean alternative to traditional metal partitions in high-pressure laminate and solid phenolic core.

Portrait of William S. Louchheim.

In 1972, Bobrick launched its first vanity centres, enhancing coordinated washroom aesthetics.

Bobrick’s vintage sponsored content advertisement.

In 1973, Bobrick introduced its first shower dividers, all made of tough, colourful, maintenance-free laminated plastic.

Bobrick’s coloured washroom sponsored content in a magazine.

In 1974, the Designer Series™ launched, offering colour-matched washroom aesthetics for modern designs.

Bobrick’s vintage catalogue cover, published in 1974.

Bobrick introduced AirCraft® recessed and surface-mounted hand dryers, including the industry’s first recessed automatic hand dryer with indestructible cast iron covers.

Bobrick AirCraft® series recessed and surface-mounted hand dryers.

Following the Americans with Disabilities Act, Bobrick published the Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms, a key resource for compliant layouts, illustrations of mounting heights, and clearances, influencing U.S. and International standards.

1st Planning guide for accessible restrooms, 1990.

Mark Louchheim became President, representing the third generation of family leadership.

Mark Louchheim, President.

A low-cost, durable laminate partition line expanded the portfolio, adding a viable low-cost plastic laminate option.

Bobrick’s ClassicSeries™ Washroom Accessories.

A unified family of surface-mounted plastic accessories designed for durability and budget-friendly projects.

Bobrick’s MatrixSeries™ Washroom Accessories.

Stylish, durable warm-air hand dryers expanded the dryer portfolio, helping Bobrick become “The Dryer Company.”

Bobrick’s Eclipse hand dryers (B-740).

A new under-counter soap dispensing system capable of delivering up to 13,000 hand washes, transforming operational cost efficiency with a single under-the-counter soap cartridge with multiple lavatory-mounted spouts.

Bobrick’s SureFlo™ System.

Bobrick launched an integrated initiative to become the leading manufacturer of plastic laminate and phenolic partitions in North America, including an advertisement emphasizing the "Bobrick Rate" Total Design Concept.

Bobrick’s Total Design Concept advertisement, 2002.

Bobrick acquired Koala Kare Products, becoming a leader in baby changing stations and family-care solutions.

Baby Changing Station with vintage Koala Kare logo.

Bobrick expanded its focus beyond core washroom accessories into more user-centred restroom planning, emphasising accessibility, family-care solutions, privacy, and evolving commercial restroom environments designed to improve user comfort and inclusivity.

Inclusive and accessibility-focused commercial restroom environment.

Bobrick acquired General Accessory Manufacturing Company (GAMCO), expanding into speciality metal and stainless steel washroom accessories, including custom architectural metal fabrication and speciality finish washroom solutions.

GAMCO Manufacturing Company, 2006.

Bobrick expanded its touchless hygiene offerings with sensor-activated dispensers, faucets, and hands-free restroom solutions designed to improve hygiene, reduce cross-contamination, and support modern commercial restroom environments.

Early Touchless Restroom Accessories Brochure, 2010.

Bobrick inaugurated its new 100,000 sq. ft. headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution facility in North Hollywood, California.

The modern facility unified manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate operations under one roof, supporting future growth and sustainable operations with LEED Gold standards and solar power integration.


New North Hollywood Headquarters & Manufacturing Facility.

The company acquired Thrislington Cubicles, adding European-style toilet partition systems.

Thrislington Cubicles.

Matthew Louchheim, son of Mark Louchheim, became President, continuing the family legacy. He focused on advancing hygiene, sustainability, and privacy in commercial restrooms, with prior experience in corporate development and operations.

Portrait of Matthew Louchheim.

Bobrick India brings global design excellence and engineering expertise to India’s evolving commercial built environment. Trusted by architects, designers, developers and consultants, we deliver premium washroom accessories and Koala Kare childcare solutions that unite aesthetics, performance and enduring quality. Through local expertise and collaborative specification support, we help create thoughtfully designed, high-performing spaces built for lasting value.

Team India.

Bobrick expanded the Fino Collection with coordinated sensor faucets, automatic top-fill soap dispensers, and integrated washroom accessories, creating a fully unified commercial restroom ecosystem focused on architectural harmony, premium aesthetics, and operational efficiency.

Fino Collection Faucets & Soap Dispensers Set.