Early Beginnings of Marlow Ropes: From Natural Fibers to a Global Leader in Rope Manufacturing
Founded in 1807 by Thomas Burfield in Hailsham, East Sussex, Marlow Ropes began its journey on Burfield’s original site, where the factory still operates today. Initially, Burfield crafted ropes from natural fibers, including hemp from Europe and India, and even Cannabis.
In 1830, George Green, a former employee, established Green Brothers across town, producing similar rope products for local industries. Later, in 1881, George Hawkins and Alfred Tipson founded Hawkins and Tipson at the Globe Rope Works in Millwall, London, specializing in ropes for the maritime industry using fibers like manila and sisal.
Expansion and Acquisitions: The Growth of Hawkins and Tipson
Hawkins and Tipson quickly expanded, capitalizing on a Manila fiber shortage during the Spanish American War in 1898. In 1941, they acquired Green Brothers in Hailsham and later Burfield & Sons in 1953, increasing their capacity and land for expansion.
The Shift to Synthetic Fibers: Pioneering Modern Rope Technology
By the 1950s, synthetic fibers like Nylon and Terylene gained traction. In 1957, Hawkins and Tipson began producing synthetic fiber ropes under the "Marlow" brand for the yachting industry. This innovation led to the founding of Marlow Ropes Ltd in 1961, dedicated to manufacturing synthetic ropes for yachting.
Building a Global Reputation: Marlow Ropes in the 1960s and 1970s
During the 1960s, Marlow Ropes became renowned in the yachting industry, replacing traditional hemp ropes with advanced nylon and polyester options. The 1970s saw continued innovation with products like Marlowbraid, and expansion into civil engineering and marine lifting applications.
Evolution and Leadership: Marlow Ropes in the 1980s and Beyond
As natural fibers waned in the marine industry, Marlow Ropes, producing its own raw materials, grew in influence. By 1983, under new ownership, the company rebranded as H&T Marlow, and eventually Marlow Ropes Ltd. The company continued to lead in technical innovation and expanded globally in the 1990s, establishing dominance in markets ranging from yachting to military and commercial marine applications.
A New Era: Marlow Ropes in the 21st Century
By 2003, Marlow Ropes was a world leader in designing deep-water tethers and mooring points for the oil industry, maintaining a strong presence in yachting. However, in 2005, the company was sold and restructured, with the Marlow Cordage Division acquired by English Braids, who retained the Marlow Ropes Ltd name.
In 2013, Marlow Ropes expanded into the USA, opening a sales and distribution office in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This office is located in the historic buildings of the former Plymouth Cordage Company, once a major global rope manufacturer.
Continuing the Legacy: Marlow Ropes Today
Today, Marlow Ropes continues to manufacture high-quality British ropes on the same historic site established over 200 years ago. Specializing in innovative rope products made from advanced synthetic fibers, Marlow Ropes maintains its reputation for quality and technical innovation, forging a path of progress and growth in various markets worldwide.