Cowie was formed in 1965 by George Cowie, a college lecturer in physical chemistry, mainly to produce laboratory glassware. As a result of a research program in high pressure chemical kinetics interest switched to PTFE (Teflon®) because of its exceptional chemical resistance, and led to the design and production of a variety of chemistry laboratory items including patented joint sleeves. From the outset there was always an enthusiasm, not only for innovative products and methods of manufacture, but for exploring the demands for labs in the UK and throughout the world. The interest and support derived from these sources not only provided income, without which the company would not have survived the early days but also stimulation and an opportunity to see the world. As time progressed the marketplace changed. Many of the smaller companies who had assisted me in the early days disappeared to be replaced by larger, global operations.

Today a different but non-the-less important relationship prevails with these companies, and companies from countries such as India and China have appeared on the scene to provide not only competition but also new markets.

Using the same principles and practices established in the early days we have continued to grow and focus not only on laboratory products but on new and broader applications for this unique material, this coupled with a fully committed, capable management and workforce enables us to look to the future with confidence.

We remain a privately owned company and operate from a purpose built facility in Middlesbrough, UK with a subsidiary, Cowie Technology Corp. operating out of Delaware, USA.
In order to share the success of the company we support the local community through the Cowie Charity Fund.