1915
The original product line was woven cotton textiles, which were both dyed and waterproofed. Later, this was to turn to the production of rubberised fabric used in the manufacture of mackintoshes.
1934
1935
1948
1915 | THE INCORPORATION OF JAMES HALSTEAD LIMITED |
| The company was founded as a weaving operation by James Halstead, who had previously been a Weaving Shed Manager for another Manchester company. The original product line was woven cotton textiles, which were both dyed and waterproofed. Later, this was to turn to the production of rubberised fabric used in the manufacture of mackintoshes. | |
1934 | JAMES HALSTEAD LTD MAKES FIRST FLOORING PRODUCT |
| James Halstead brought in a machine to friction calender (or roll) rubber onto a teased fabric. It was very durable and did not require salvaging, and was thus ideal for hard-wearing applications. It was sold to Briggs Motor Bodies (later Ford) as carpeting. |
1935 | JAMES HALSTEAD DIES |
| At the comparatively young age of 66, James Halstead died, leaving the company in the hands of his two sons, John and Herbert. |
1948 | BELSTAFF JOINS THE JAMES HALSTEAD GROUP OF COMPANIES AND THEY BECOME A PUBLIC COMPANY |
| The company was floated on the Stock Exchange on 30th April 1948, issuing 10,000 ordinary shares of ten shillings each. |