AmSafe Bridport’s history and heritage can be traced to the 9th Century when Bridport was established as a fortified Burg by King Alfred. The climate and geology surrounding the town of Bridport proved ideal for the growth of hemp and flax and this created the foundation for an industry which thrives (albeit in a different guise) over a thousand years later. There is evidence in the Doomsday Book that the town prospered well into the 11th century. Even King John ordered “Bridport ropes and cables” presumably for the English raid on King Phillip of Spain’s fleet in 1211. The town was already renowned for its production of ropes, cables and hawsers by the 13th century.

The evidence that Bridport had gained a reputation for producing high quality hemp ropes and yarns is borne out in the granting of its first charter in 1253 by Henry III. The 14th century saw the emergence of hemp merchants who established the industry even further – in particular William Bume whose goods were valued at £9 which included sailcloth, rope, girth webs flax and hemp – the same textiles being used centuries later.

It has been the industry’s ability to adapt to change that, together with the presence of good transport links, has allowed it to survive to the present day.

When the Royal dockyard took over production in the 17th century Bridport soon filled the gap by making lines and nets for the nascent Newfoundland fishery. These soon became the dominant products and were exported all over the world. During this time sailcloth gradually expanded in importance and by the end of the 18th century Bridport and South Somerset were suiting all the revenue boats, packets and Smacks of Great Britain, as well as exporting canvas to the American navy; sails for the Royal Navy came later!

The industry served this market until the depression of the latter part of the 19th century when it turned to producing nets for the rapidly developing sports of tennis, cricket and football. The end of the 19th century saw the industry re-enter the production of nets for the military.

While this protected them during times of trouble it did allow competitors to take some of their traditional trade away, especially after the Second World War. This was countered by making cargo nets for the developing aviation industry. These, over the years, have become the dominant products, with the result that Bridport Gundry came out of its traditional markets all together. This left a
gap in the market which a number of firms stepped in to fill, leading to the formation of a dozen or so firms.

AmSafe Bridport was formed in 1979 from the industrial division of Bridport-Gundry Ltd., a company specialising in the manufacture of nets for various markets including marine, sports and horticulture as well as for aviation and defence.

Through a combination of exceptional internal growth, a few select strategic acquisitions and strides in our capabilities and product development, we have become a world leader in safer, more efficient airframe restraints & barrier solutions, cargo handling & movement solutions and RPG protection for armoured vehicles.

Our History

By 1999 the company is largely focused on products for commercial & defence aviation and is sold to the Marmon Group.

In 2000 the Erie facility is acquired in the USA, adding FAA repair station capability.

Further acquisitions adds repair capability for aviation inflatables when the Anaheim site is acquired – increasing the portfolio of existing products and PMAs.

In 2001 a manufacturing facility is constructed and opened in Sri Lanka, then considerably expanded to the current 120,000 plus sq. ft. becoming the principal manufacturing site for Amsafe Bridport.

In 2004 the ownership of the aviation and defence activities transfers to Amsafe Partners Inc. After 7 years of ownership, both companies move to a single ‘AmSafe’ identity.

In 2010, Amsafe Bridport introduces Tarian^®, and RPG net armour system, into its product mix, marking a move into a new field of textile safety.

In 2012 Transdigm acquires AmSafe, a strategic reorganisation follows of the AmSafe portfolio into AmSafe Bridport, AmSafe Aviation & AmSafe Commercial as separate individual business entities.

With operation facilities across three continents and approximately 650 people employed worldwide, AmSafe Bridport will continue to bring innovative technology to our customers. We have become a world leader in the design, manufacture and support of highly engineered textile products for the civil aviation and defence markets.