The origins of the drycleaning business go back to 1817 when Johnson Brothers started in business in Liverpool as silk dyers. In 1920, Johnson Brothers joined forces in amalgamation with two drycleaning Companies , Jas Smith & Son and Flinn & Son Ltd of Brighton. Further expansion of the Group took place over the next 60 years until Johnsons became the largest drycleaning organisation in the country.

JCUK was formed in 1995 when the 12 Operating Companies, which made up the Johnson Group in the UK at that time, were restructured into just two Companies.

In July 1996, JCUK opened its Central Processing Unit (CPU) in Rugby to meet the growing demand for specialist services from our customers. The CPU utilises the latest technologies, in terms of equipment and cleaning solvents, in order to support JCUK's traditional drycleaning facilities available at the branches.