Working with you for the last 90 years
For 90 years, we have been designing and manufacturing heating solutions that deliver warmth and comfort to homes all around the UK. Our journey began back in 1934, where we were manufacturing boilers at the Derwent Foundry in Derbyshire. Today, we are still only a stones throw away from there, in Belper, Derbyshire, but have a much more national approach with our sales teams and training centres across the UK.
We have always been driven to make a difference to people, designing our products with our customers in mind. Over the last 90 years, that determination hasn’t changed, and it will continue to push us forwards through the use of new technologies and developments in the future.
We are incredibly proud of our heritage and what we have achieved. Take a look back at our journey.
Let's look back on our journey
1934
The Glow-worm Boiler and Fireplace Co Ltd starts producing boilers at the Derwent Foundry in Derbyshire, utilising the strong currents of the River Derwent to drive the manufacturing plant.
1963
Glow-worm produces ‘balanced flue’ - the room sealed, gas heating and hot water boiler. Creating balanced flued appliances gives increased flexibility with boiler siting and improved safety for the homeowner, as the appliance is completely room sealed.
1966
Glow-worm grows further with the introduction of domestic gas central heating boilers. To support this new technology and increased demand an additional assembly facility is built in Belper, Derbyshire - which, many years later becomes the UK head office for Vaillant Group.
1968
Glow-worm produces a back boiler unit for heating and water with firefront space heater, using product names such as the ‘Majorca’ to appeal to the homeowner of the 1970s. This unit is still going strong in many households in the UK.
1971
Glow-worm produces its first cast iron wall hung boiler – the ‘Spacesaver’, which goes on to be one of the most successful heating products of the 1970s.
1984
Glow-worm produces ‘Fuelsaver’, the lightweight copper central heating boiler - which becomes one of Glow-worm’s best selling appliances. It is promoted by comedian Les Dawson in a highly successful nationwide advertising campaign.
1985
Glow-worm produces ‘Hideaway’, a cast iron floor standing kitchen boiler. Hideaway was the first undercounter boiler produced by Glow-worm. As the name suggests, the boiler could be concealed under the worktop. Ronnie Barker of the Two Ronnies is among the famous fans of the Hideaway.
1988
Glow-worm breaks into the emerging combination boiler market with the production of ‘Hotwater Express’. It becomes a very popular choice for homeowners shortly after its debut.
1992
Glow-worm produces its first mass production condensing boiler, ‘Energysaver’. Energysaver is the first boiler that takes condensing boilers into the mainstream. The Energysaver is also the first aluminium boiler that has a very high efficiency rating.
1999
Glow-worm continues with its tradition to be the first when it comes to producing compact appliances. It launches ‘Micron’, the tiniest heating appliance ever produced!
2001
Vaillant Group takes over Hepworth Heating and becomes Europe’s largest domestic heating group. As a result of the acquisition Glow-worm, Saunier Duval, Bulex, AWB and Protherm become a part of the Vaillant Group.
2005
Glow-worm becomes the leading manufacturer in the switch to high efficiency boilers. This important launch is announced by Dame Margaret Beckett in Belper, Derbyshire.
2006
Glow-worm launches ‘Betacom’, the smallest high efficiency boiler that is superb value for money and is LPG compatible without the need for a conversion kit. Betacom is the perfect heating solution for small to medium homes. It combines simplicity, good value, and reliability and due to its easy installation it makes the installers life a lot easier.
2006
Glow-worm launches ‘Flexicom’, the first high efficiency boiler with direct rear flue and cupboard fit. Flexicom is the condensing version of the very successful Micron, which was first produced in 1999. Flexicom is still the smallest heating appliance of its kind on the market to this date.
2008
Glow-worm launches yet another ‘smallest on the market’ boiler - the Betacom C. An installer’s favourite which is easy to fit, amazing value for money and, as with all Glow-worm boilers, highly reliable!
2009
Glow-worm introduces its market leading loyalty programme – ‘Club Energy’. The programme is designed to reward loyal installers for choosing Glow-worm, and help them grow their business. Some of the advantages include extended warranties, free training and dedicated support.
2010
Glow-worm launches its ‘Clearly Hybrid’ system, which is the first product in the UK to combine a heat pump with a condensing boiler. It makes the system compatible with almost any new or incumbent boiler including oil or LPG models.
2011
Glow-worm launches its most innovative wireless room thermostat ‘Climapro2’. The incredibly easy to use handheld remote control allows the owners to have complete control of their central heating and hot water from the comfort of their armchair.
2021
Glow-worm launches the most compact and lightweight combi boiler we’ve ever produced. Don’t let its size fool you, whilst small, the Compact delivers big performance. Boasting a stainless steel heat exchanger, it delivers the reliability homeowners love.
2022
Glow-worm becomes a member of Made in Britain for our Energy, Ultimate and Easicom boiler ranges. Further solidifying our British heritage, the accreditation is an officially licensed mark which recognises British-made products.
Discover more about Glow-worm
90 years of innovation
In 2024, we're celebrating 90 years in the industry. Reflecting decades of innovation, reliability, and commitment to warmth and comfort in homes across the UK.
Products
All of our products are designed with you and your customers in mind. Our wide product range caters for all needs and they are reliable, easy to maintain and the perfect solution for all properties.
Support
From training courses through the Glow-worm Academy to support from your local Area Sales Manager, we can help develop your skill set and boost your business.