History
It began in the 1960’s. George Cowie, a university lecturer in physical chemistry, was becoming ever more interested in the exceptional chemical properties of PTFE. So much so that he designed and developed a whole range of PTFE laboratory equipment, which he then manufactured using machines that he had also designed himself.
George’s enthusiasm, underpinned by his knowledge, a passion for innovation, and his business acumen, would not only go on to build a company that manufactured and sold PTFE laboratory equipment worldwide, it created the COWIE brand.
A brand shaped by George’s relentless appetite for experimentation, for aiming higher and for refusing to accept the limits set by others. Yet, George wore his learning lightly. If asked how he grew the business into the successful company it is today, he quoted the same chemical formula, “Good luck and ignorance!”
Six decades of expansion have meant several moves but we have never left our home in North-East England. Today that home is Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough where we take pride in Cowie’s record as a local manufacturer since 1965.
At the same time, growth meant that we needed to build a second home. In 2003 we opened a sales and distribution outlet in Vineland, New Jersey to serve our US market: so successfully that we have since moved to an even bigger home in New Castle, Delaware.
2025 – our 60th anniversary – was a milestone year for Cowie. We are now leaders in the manufacture of PTFE laboratory equipment, underpinning everything that we do with exceptional levels of engineering and technical expertise. We not only offer a wide range of standard PTFE laboratory equipment but manufacture custom items to client-specific requirements in PTFE and other engineered plastics.
A workforce with so many long-serving members is ready to share its wealth of experience and knowledge. To this end we promote training and invest in our loyal employees.
Having started life as a family-owned business, being a company with a family ethos remains a priority. To this day we are proud of the fact that different generations of families work together at Cowie.
And we are happy to share our ongoing success, through regular donations to charities and to local community projects.