History
Innovation, quality and performance since 1831
Creating Innovative Textiles
Baltex is proud of its heritage, which dates back over 200 years.
Founded in 1831 by the brothers William and Francis Ball in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, we are still a leading technical textile manufacturer today and still meet the same lofty standards and values incorporated by Francis and William Ball.
We manufacture world class knitted textiles that serve markets such as aerospace, military, automotive, composite, and medical applications. Baltex will continue to innovate and push boundaries in knitted textiles, to support our customers with a range of products to meet their needs for today and in the future, just as William and Francis did in the very beginning.
Quality Assurance
We are committed to creating and making products of the highest standards and quality, with this in mind we are ISO 9001 and ISO14001 accredited providing our customers with reassurance that our products are not only best in class, but sustainably and carefully thought out and manufactured.
Company Details
Founded
Awards
Locations
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History & Milestones
Textiles being produced at Burr Lane, Ilkeston. Part of the hugely significant textile industry in the Midlands during this time.
Company started by William, Thomas, and John Ball. They set out to build the innovative and ambitious company that we know today. Each founder had a rich background in textiles and framework knitting which was transferred into the high-quality fabrics and materials they produced – mostly shawls, nets, and laces.
First records of W. Ball & Son.
Main factory is constructed. This four-story building is the first large factory of any kind built in Ilkeston.
Great Exhibition of 1851 – Company wins Gold Medal at the world-famous exhibition celebrating industry and culture, held in Crystal Palace. Baltex fabrics were awarded for their fantastic and useful qualities, alongside other inventions such as the precursor to the fax machine and the world’s first voting machine.
Further expansion of the factory.
Described as a manufacturer of Milanese, locknit, fancy tricot and glove fabrics
Company survives the economic shock of the First World War by digging coal during the energy crisis.
W. Ball & Son Ltd established as a limited company in Derbyshire.
Company produces first Nomex fabrics and Technical Textiles.
Company exhibits at Technical Textiles show.
Acquisition of Wallis Hulse & Co.
Construction of new factory at Burr Lane.
Baltex receives Queens Award for International Trade.
Production starts in Poland.
Acquisition of TTF Ltd – Finishing company in Nottingham.
Baltex Gedeon – Polish company is established.
Baltex receives Queens Award for International Trade.
Baltex wins Innovation prize at the World Conference of the Textile Institute.
Baltex launches 4XD Spacer.
Baltex launches SARK slash resistant fabric, designed for security, military, and police, while also being comfortable to wear.
Baltex completes £600k investment in Dyeing and Finishing plant – BDF in Basford, Nottingham and is accredited to ISO 9000:2015
Baltex receives Queens Award for International Trade.
Baltex achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard.
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