Bissell — Schematics

Bissell traces its history to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1876, when Anna and Melville Bissell patented a mechanical carpet sweeper to deal with sawdust their crockery shop kept tracking onto the floor. After Melville's death in 1889 Anna took over the company and built it into the largest organic carpet sweeper maker in the world, becoming one of America's first female corporate CEOs.

Five generations later Bissell is still family-owned and still based in Grand Rapids. The company is best known for its carpet washers and deep cleaners, but the modern Bissell lineup runs the full range — lightweight uprights, multi-surface wet/dry cleaners, robotic vacuums, and pet-specific models. Bissell also owns the commercial Sanitaire brand, acquired from Electrolux in 2018.