History

Our history

The Beginning

We were founded in the UK in 1885 and quickly established ourself as a rubber manufacturer producing a diverse range of products in our early years, including pneumatic tyres, railway components, conveyor belts, sports equipment and milking machine tubes.

1940s & 50s
We were a key UK Government supplier during World War II and worked at full capacity to product 20 million gas masks in support of the war efforts. We were listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1949.
International Expansion
We grew rapidly during the post-war years from a UK company to an international group of companies with an increasing product range. Production started in Germany to promote international sales and we broke into the US market in the 1970s.
Reorganisation
Globalisation in the 1990s led to divesting a number of businesses, including Avon Tyres and Avon Automotive, to focus on our dairy and respiratory protection business.
Strengthening Avon Protection

In 2000 we secured a contract from the US DoW to develop the M50 General Purpose Respirator and, in 2008, consequently won a ten-year sole source contract. In 2005 we purchased a manufacturer of self-contained breathing apparatus for the fire market.

Targeted Acquisitions
In 2013 we acquired the business and assets of VR Technology adding underwater rebreather technology to the group. We acquired three more companies, including thermal imaging cameras.
A focused provider of personal protection
In 2019, we entered into an agreement to acquire 3M’s ballistic protection business, expanding our capability into the wider personal protection market. In 2020 we divested the milkrite | InterPuls business to become a focuses protection business. Shortly after, we closed on the acquisition of Team Wendy, a leading provider in helmets, helmet liners and retention systems, creating a global leader in helmets.
Record closing order book

FY25 marked a year of strong progress for the Group, with a record closing order book of $263m, reflecting 17% order book growth. Avon Protection secured over $100m of orders across 16 countries under NATO framework contracts. The Group also continued to strengthen its product portfolio with the launch of new RIFLETECH and MITR products, while in the US it continues to partner on nine Department of War Programs of Record, deepening exposure to long-term, funded defence demand.

Celebrating 140 years

PLAY
A graphic celebrating "Avon 140 Years, Est. 1885," featuring a central hexagonal logo surrounded by technical sketches and 3D renders of tactical helmets and suits.