Hearsay places an agent in New Zealand only 10 years after Captain Cook’s discovery, and written records show trade agreements in place in the early 1800s in Canada. Cosalt plc purchased the company from Linndustries in the 1970s, with ownership passing to the local management team in 2004, following an MBO.

Net History – Diversification

We believe it’s the fact that Knox has continually moved on and embraced other markets and products that is the reason the company is still in existence after so many years. The early family business spun flax fibre and became well-known worldwide for linen thread, and a vast range of twines. For many years, the company also processed carpet yarn, and this business continues on our site under separate ownership. Trawls were produced for over one hundred years for traditional fishing, by hand from natural fibres, then by machine, with Knox becoming deeply involved in the manufacture of knotless Raschel nets for aquaculture in the early 1970s. The business has further diversified in the last decade, with a partnership with Indian company, Garware-Wall Ropes, and the active development of new netting products.

Here`s to the next 100 years.

W J Knox - Lift Up Systems