Our history

A history of life protection

Our origins stretch back to 1873 when ship owners from the port of Grimsby established The Great Grimsby Coal, Salt and Tanning Company. This early co-operative provided a range of products allowing fishermen to carry out their work efficiently and safely, and today the safety of our customers remains paramount to the integrity of the Cosalt brand. The reputation of our early co-operative grew as vessels of all types visiting British ports recognised the reliability and service we offered. In the twentieth century we expanded significantly, both organically and by the acquisition of specialist and established manufacturing businesses with products compatible to our own.

Prior to our flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 1971 we shortened our name to Cosalt in homage to our maritime heritage, and in 1972 we received the Queen’s Award to Industry for our export performance.

This century our renaissance has continued with a progressive policy of further acquisitions, our acquisition of the GTC group has increased our presence and service capability in the Oil & Gas sector.

From our early Grimsby origins we can now boast a pan European platform for our customers. Future challenges remain, particularly in Asia and the USA. However, we have successfully established a major presence in the Offshore Oil & Gas Industry and the emerging renewable energy markets.

Our programme of acquisition, along with a major restructuring of our exceptionally strong management board, has cemented our position as the leading global player in the provision of bespoke Safety and Protection Services and Equipment to the Renewable Energy and the Offshore Oil & Gas Industries.