Published by Bowmer Bond | Specialist Webbing Solutions
At Bowmer Bond Narrow Fabrics, our story begins in 1795—and it’s still being written today.
In a touching moment of living history, a descendant of William Bond, founder of the original M. Bond & Sons tape business, recently visited our Hanging Bridge Mills site near Mayfield, bringing with her a very special gift: a portrait of William Bond himself. This family heirloom, safeguarded for generations, was returned “home” with great care and emotion, and now takes pride of place above the fireplace in our boardroom.
It’s a powerful symbol of legacy, community and continuity—and it has sparked renewed appreciation for the rich heritage that underpins Bowmer Bond’s modern success.
From Morrey to Mayfield: 230 Years of Expertise
The original business, M. Bond & Co., was founded in 1795 in Morrey, Staffordshire, during the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. By the late 19th century, the company was already renowned for manufacturing cotton webbing, ladder tapes, and linen stay tapes used in clothing, packaging and early industrial applications.
One striking example of this legacy is in the vintage advertisement showcasing M. Bond & Co.’s proud claims of “superior ladder webs” and “super glace belting”. These early marketing pieces reflect a company already dedicated to innovation, craftsmanship, and quality — values we still live by today.
While the move to Mayfield, on the outskirts of Ashbourne in Derbyshire, came in 1866, Bowmer Bond has remained firmly embedded in the local community ever since, making us one of the oldest surviving businesses in the area.
Tapes Through Time: Evolution and Innovation
Though we honour our history, we’re not rooted in the past—we’ve always embraced development, change, and growth. Today, Bowmer Bond is a modern manufacturer known for technical excellence and sector-specific expertise.
We continue to produce cotton webbing, but our portfolio has expanded significantly to include advanced synthetic webbing solutions and technical textiles for industries such as:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Marine
- Outdoor & Leisure
- Safety & Rescue
Our experienced team develops bespoke solutions tailored to customer requirements, offering services such as:
- Custom weaving through product development
- Specialist coatings and finishes
- Numerous colours, widths and weave patterns
- Cut, printed and sewn webbing solutions
- Technical support and full traceability
As experts in our field, we’re proud to deliver consistent quality with rigorous compliance, and flexible manufacturing—all from our base in near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Past, Present and Future—All Under One Roof
The return of William Bond’s portrait is more than just a heartwarming story. It’s a timely reminder that what began in a small Staffordshire village over two centuries ago is still alive in the work we do every day.
We’re proud of our long-established roots, our place in the local community, and the enduring trust of customers who rely on us for durable, dependable webbing solutions. As an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) business, we believe in sharing that legacy with the people who help shape it—our employees. This ownership model empowers our team, reinforces our values, and ensures that the future of Bowmer Bond remains in trusted hands.
From traditional woven cotton tapes to high-performance synthetic webbing solutions engineered for the skies, we’re always looking forward — without forgetting where we came from.
Looking for a webbing partner with real heritage and real capability?
Bowmer Bond: proudly experienced, deeply rooted, and ready for the future.
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For expert advice on your project – we’re always happy to assist and to recommend the best textile solution for your application.
Posted 23rd July 2025 by Bowmer Bond