About Us
Republic Technologies (UK) Limited is home to the UK’s most iconic tobacco accessories and smoking related products, distributed under bestselling brands such as, Swan®, OCB® and Zig-Zag®
About Us
Republic Technologies (UK) Limited is home to the UK’s most iconic tobacco accessories and smoking related products, distributed under bestselling brands such as, Swan®, OCB® and Zig-Zag®
About Us
Republic Technologies (UK) Limited is home to the UK’s most iconic tobacco accessories and smoking related products, distributed under bestselling brands such as, Swan®, OCB® and Zig-Zag®
Who are Republic Technologies?
Formerly owned by Swedish Match, the UK business was acquired by Republic Technologies International in 2008. The European headquarters of RTI are in Perpignan in the south of France and are ultimately owned by the Republic Group of companies based in the United States of America, who are worldwide rolling papers and smoking accessories specialists. Republic Technologies International has manufacturing sites at Perpignan (France), in Barcelona (Spain) and in Fürstenfeld (Austria).
Republic Technologies International has a fascinating history. The story starts early in the 19th century and, over the next two hundred or so years, tells of various innovative businesses which crossed paths and were then amalgamated into the business. Known today for its reputation for quality products, considerable expertise and commitment to being ‘best in classing and Finance functions’.
Company Timeline
1843
William Bryant and Francis May went into partnership, supplying general provisions from London.
1850
Bryant & May placed first order for matches from Swedish Match manufacturers, Lundstrom of Jankoping.
1855
Zig-Zag was founded over 170 years ago, in 1855, by Maurice & Jacques Braunstein.
1861
Bryant & May set up manufacturing site at Fairfield Works, Bow in London to cope with demand for newly invented safety matches.
1864
New ‘strike anywhere’ match was launched by Bryant & May.
1883
‘Swan Brand’ began in 1883 when Collard & Kendall Match company in Bootle on Merseyside near Liverpool introduced “Swan Wax Matches”.
1884
Bryant & May was incorporated as a public company.
1906
‘Swan Vestas’ were launched – following the Bryant and May merger with the Diamond Match Company.
1917
Swedish Match Company was formed.
1921
Bryant & May acquired state-of-the-art factory at Garston, Liverpool and another site in Leeds. At their peak, they also had sites in Glasgow and, via subsidiaries, in Gloucester and Belfast.
1927
British Match Corporation (BMC) was formed – a collaboration between Bryant & May and Swedish Match.
1973
BMC acquired Wilkinson Sword Ltd and changed its name to Wilkinson Match Ltd. It retained Bryant & May as a separate, named business.
1981
Bryant & May started selling lighters.
1984
Bryant & May started selling other tobacco accessories (lighter fluid, lighter gas, etc) under the Swan brand name.
1985
Swan cigarette papers were launched.
1994
Liverpool factory closed and match manufacturing was transferred to the Swedish Match factory in Tidaholm.
1997
On 1st January, Bryant & May Ltd changed its name to Swedish Match Ltd.
2008
In December, Swedish Match AB sold the UK business to Republic Technologies International.
2009
In February, Swedish Match UK Ltd changed its name to Republic Technologies (UK) Ltd.
2012
Major rebranding of Swan Papers and Filters.
2012
Swan enjoyed life in the fast lane (literally) in 2011 and 2012 thanks to the iconic brand’s high-profile involvement in the British Superbike Championship via sponsorship of the Swan Yamaha team.
This culminated in a maiden victory for the Swan Yamaha team in 2011 with reigning British champion Tommy Hill and Isle of man TT superstar Ian Hutchinson subsequently signing-up for the 2012 team.
2012
ZIG-ZAG hit the bullseye in 2012 thanks to a profile-raising sponsorship of Premier League Darts, one of the world’s most prestigious darts tournaments.
The televised tournament, which attracted a huge following, featured the world’s most famous players, most noticeably Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time.
2013
The launch of Swan Ultra Slim Filters in 2013 equipped roll-your-own enthusiasts with the thinnest Swan filter ever.
This not only provided a smoother taste and an enhanced tobacco flavour, it enabled people to make thinner cigarettes which proved particularly popular with roll-you-own connoisseurs.
2018
A Cook’s Matches partnership with celebrity chef Tom Kerridge was one of the highlights of the relaunch of Republic Technologies matches’ range in 2018.
Key elements of the partnership included a collectable set of 12 Tom Kerridge recipes on the back of Cook’s Matchboxes, supported by wide-ranging social media activity.
2019
The launch of iconic brand OCB rolling papers in 2019 not only featured the highest level of rolling paper quality, it also introduced what was hailed at the time as ‘the best possible rolling experience’.
Providing a silky touch and a lightweight feel, OCB Virgin papers feature natural acacia gum, sustainably sourced from African acacia trees, which is both 100% natural, vegetarian, and GMO free.
2023
Fast-growing OCB reinforced its natural credentials early in 2023 with the introduction of OCB Rice rolling papers.
Organic and chlorine free, OCB Rice papers include a blend of rice and organic hemp which results in a slow-burning experience.
2024
Swan & Yamaha signs Peter Hickman to join defending champion Tommy Hill In 2012 British Superbike Program
2024
The pioneering Swan brand broke new ground in tobacco accessories in 2024 with the launch of Swan Just Paper, the 100% plastic free filter tips.
The environmentally-friendly product also incorporated a novel ‘flip-a-tip’ feature which dispenses loose extra slim filters, without the use of plastic rods.
2025
We’ve ignited our Match brands in 2025, Cook’s Matches introduced Daniel Clifford, whilst Bryant & May welcomed Chris Mackett on packs.
Both partnerships bring on pack chef partnerships, offering consumers exciting bonus recipe options alongside social media content and giveaways.
Our Locations Around Europe!
Warehouse & Distribution
Manchester, UK
Head Office
High Wycombe, UK
Swan Filters
Vienna, Austria
Paper Production
Perpignan, France
Zig-Zag Filters
Barcelona, Spain
Matches
Stockholm, Sweden
Our Locations Around Europe!
Warehouse & Distribution
Manchester, UK
Head Office
High Wycombe, UK
Swan Filters
Vienna, Austria
Paper Production
Perpignan, France
Zig-Zag Filters
Barcelona, Spain
Matches
Stockholm, Sweden
Contact Us
If you have any trade queries regarding Republic Technologies (UK) Limited brands or products or want further details on how our sales team can support your business, please contact us via e-mail or phone.