1903
From our foundation in 1903 as a small textile company in Scotland, we have grown to become a global leader in advanced, technical materials of the highest performance.
1912
John Low and George Bonar become partners in a jute business in Scotland. They establish their first weaving factory in 1912.
Early 1900s
The group expands into overseas markets, including North America and Africa.
1940s
Diversification into manufacturing bags and tufted carpet backing.
1947
Low & Bonar is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
1950s
Expands further into plastic packaging and extends to territories such as Canada.
1960s
Begins a key move into the extrusion of polypropylene yarn.
1970s
Bids farewell to its original jute weaving business and continues to diversify into packaging and electrical and mechanical engineering.
1980s
Strong growth in Europe partnered by increasing success in the areas of plastics, packaging and high performance materials.
2000
Formation of Bonar TF, specialising in woven and nonwoven geotextiles.
2000s
A decade of a significant expansion, focusing on developing key areas of the business.
2004
Acquires Adfil and enters the construction fibres market.
2005
Sells plastics division.
2006
Acquires GeoTippex and also Colbond, a leading producer of high-quality synthetic nonwovens, strengthening position in automotive, construction, building and civil engineering markets.
2008
Acquires Mehler Texnologies Gmbh, leading coated technical textiles producer. Disposes of Floors Division as part of a strategic objective to become a leading global performance materials business.
2012
Colbond and fabrics organisations merged to become Bonar. Unit is regionalised into EMEA, North America and APAC. Acquires Xeroflor for its strong position in the green roofing market.
2013
Acquires Texiplast, Slovakian producer of high strength geosynthetic products for civil engineering.
2014
Extends global footprint, adding manufacturing facilities in the Middle East and China to those in Europe and North America.
2015
Low & Bonar reorganises into five global business units focusing on Building & Industrial, Civil Engineering, Coated Technical Textiles, Interiors & Transportation and Sports & Leisure.
2016
With Chinese production underway, Colback technology begins to serve fast growing carpet tile and automotive markets in Asia. Sells Bonar Yarns business.
2017
Acquires Walflor Industries to extend rainscreen and sound control product range. Sells Agro-textiles business.
Today
Our rapid response to customer demands, made possible by our technologies, innovations and advanced production techniques, have taken us to a leading position in niche industrial markets across the world.
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