
About us
Helix has been making quality stationery products for over 130 years. Since launching in 1887, iconic Helix and Oxford products have helped many generations through their school life.
Now part of the Maped group, Maped Helix produce a wide range of stationery for school, home and office.
History
1887 |
Helix was founded in 1887, its initial activity was the production of the wooden ruler |
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1894 |
Helix invents the modern drawing compass | ![]() |
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1898 |
First export sales to Australia | ![]() |
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1899 |
First 'plastic' type ruler produced | ![]() |
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1912 |
First 'Maths Set' produced | ![]() |
1935 |
The Oxford brand was launched |
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1955 |
The Helix Universal Company Limited was formed | ![]() |
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1959 |
Plastic moulding production started | ![]() |
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1969 |
Helix International Limited formed | ![]() |
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1975 |
Purchase of Dunn & Taylor Ltd. Cash boxes introduced. Shatter resistant ruler patent | ![]() |
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1976 |
Establishment of Helix USA | ![]() |
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1977 |
Purchase of Colonel Rubber Ltd. Eraser production started | ![]() |
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1982 |
Threadless ring patent | ![]() |
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1983 |
PVC free eraser first produced | ![]() |
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1984 |
Helix Limited formed | ![]() |
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1987
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Helix 100 years old celebrated with a royal visit from HRH the princess of Wales | ![]() |
1988 |
BS5750 awarded | ![]() |
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1990 |
Folding rule patent | ![]() |
1991 |
Angle measure registered design |
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1992 |
Compass safety point patent |
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1994 |
ISO 9002 accredited push button (cash boxes) introduced |
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1995 |
G03 compass registered design |
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2002 |
Establishment of Helix Hong Kong office |
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2004 |
Foldable black board equipment patent pending | ![]() |
2007 |
Craft with Helix range launched. Anti-tamper screw sharpener introduced |
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2007 |
Helix Technical launched. Helix fashion - tribe and splat range launched | ![]() |
2012 |
Helix becomes part of the Maped Group and the company changes its name to Helix Trading Ltd | ![]() |
2019 |
Today, Helix exports to over 65 countries with offices in the USA, Hong Kong and our UK Head Quarters in the West Midlands | ![]() |