W. C. Bradley Co.

The W.C. Bradley company comprises the following companies focused on home and leisure products and services: Char-Broil, Lamplight, and W.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate. The W.C. Bradley Co.’s worldwide headquarters are located on the Chattahoochee River in historic Uptown Columbus in renovated buildings dating from 1885, which were previously used to store cotton and other goods for the company’s businesses. Throughout its history, the company has transitioned through various businesses and industries. In the early 1900s, W.C. Bradley joined Ernest Woodruff and other investors in purchasing the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Serving as Chairman of the Board until the late 1930s and remaining on the Board until one year before his death in 1947, Mr. Bradley contributed to the growth of the Coca-Cola brand as one of the most recognized “brand names” in the world. The W.C. Bradley Co. is a multi-brand supplier of consumer goods and services focused primarily on the home and leisure lifestyle markets. [3]

Char-Broil, based in Columbus, Georgia, is a manufacturer of charcoal, gas, and electric outdoor grills, smokers, fryers and related accessories sold throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In addition to the Char-Broil label, the company manages and manufactures a portfolio of outdoor cooking brands: Oklahoma Joe’s smokers, SABER grills, and Dancook grills. In 1998, Char-Broil acquired the Oklahoma Joe’s brand name with a product line of high-end smokers and accessories. In 2011, Saber Grills, LLC, was formed as a stand-alone entity which introduced SABER grills, a line of premium grills sold through the independent outdoor retailer channel. Also in 2011, Char-Broil acquired Kriswell A/S, beginning Char-Broil’s expansion into the international market. This Danish grill and grilling accessories company markets products under the Dancook brand. [4]

Badlands, located at the base of the Wasatch Mountain Range in Sandy, Utah, manufactures hunting gear specializing in backpacks, apparel and hunting accessories. Founded in the early 1990s, the Badlands lineup grew from offering only backpacks for the first 20 years to now offering a full lineup of hunting apparel, lifestyle apparel, binocular cases, luggage, camping equipment and more. In 2015, Badlands released its first proprietary camouflage pattern, Badlands Approach. Today, all products are offered only in Badlands’ own camouflage patterns or solid colors.

Lamplight, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, was acquired by the W.C. Bradley Co. in 1998. Beginning in 1964, Lamplight pioneered the development of an indoor lamp oil that was specially formulated to burn without smoke and odor. Lamplight expanded its line of indoor oil lamps and oil by illuminating yards with its outdoor torches and citronella fuel. To further build its position in the outdoor torch category, Lamplight acquired TIKI Brand in 2001.

W.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate has been involved in real estate development in the Columbus, Georgia, area for 50+ years. Notable projects include the Synovus Centre building, Riverfront building, Starrett-Bytewise corporate offices, and  Eagle & Phenix Mills —a multi-use development located on 13 acres along the river in Uptown Columbus. Additional riverfront developments include Whitewater Express and 11th & Bay restaurant. In 2017, the Real Estate group announced its newest venture — The Rapids at Riverfront Place — scheduled to open in 2019.[5]

The W.C. Bradley Co., founded in 1885, is a privately owned company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. Founded as a “cotton factoring” business, the company heritage includes operating diverse businesses in the textiles industry, farm implement manufacturing, row crop and livestock production, wholesale supply businesses meeting the needs of industrial and building contractors, retail businesses in outdoor sports equipment and licensed sports apparel, and barbecue grill manufacturing.