The History of Attwater
Our timeline
A life in industrial laminates and composites. In fact, choose any market sector around the world and you are likely to find materials manufactured or supplied by Attwater Group.
We are acknowledged as a world class manufacturer of industrial laminates. We have developed many niche products for our customers for specific applications over the years, starting life in 1868, providing chandlery services for steam ships and supplies for the steam powered industrial mills. Since then, our innovations and creations have been fundamental to almost 150 years of manufacturing advancement.
A brief history of Attwater
1885 - 1925
We started working with the MICA–based insulating materials that were introduced into the UK’s first electric trams during this time. A variety of other insulating materials were also developed including varnished tapes and micanite sheet bonded with natural resins such as shellac
1925 – 1940
This time saw the development and production of commercially viable plastic sheets in the form of the famous Bakelaque range of laminates. Our confidence and ability led to the development of superior grades of phenolic paper for use at different radio frequencies and led us to the manufacturing of tubes and moulded parts
1939-1945
The company’s manufacturing and machining resources were committed entirely to government work providing materials and parts for the armed forces. Our contirubution to the country during World War II
1946-1985
Post War Britain was different for every business but we still continued to innovate and this gave us the opportunity to develop a range of silicone glass reinforced laminates and tubes for both UHF and radar applications and for use at high temperatures. Special grades of melamine glass reinforced laminate were also produced and developed for use in harsh marine environments
1986-2000
The change in technology saw Polyimide laminates being developed for the European Fighter Aircraft, and static dissipative laminates for use in automatic test equipment for electronic assemblies. Many specialist products were machined and made for specific applications introduced including elastomer faced composite for sealing applications, PTFE faced composite for use in SF6 switchgear, Anti-Ballistic materials for use in bullet proof and blast containment applications. During this time we underwent a large expansion of machining capabilities with the introduction of CNC machine shop
2001-present
With our increased CNC machining capabilities the production of machined components for the aerospace, automotive and electrical market sectors increased to a large operartion focused on precision. Technolaque, very high performance laminates have been developed for use in electronic assembly and power electronics.
Our Future
Our history has been focused on the development of industrial laminates, insulators, composites and machining solutions that help our clients’ projects work. Our future is with our customers, their needs and the development of technology help them succeed. Contact our team to let them know what you need and where our products will support you. We are all here to help you.