Our history

Slingco is built on a strong heritage of excellence, precision and family values.

Our roots stretch back to 1978, when former naval engineer Chris Dykins began manufacturing cable grips in a small industrial unit in Littleborough. Today, while we remain a family-owned business, we have grown to become a global multi-award-winning engineering company.

Take a journey through our history:

Today, while we remain a family-owned business, we have grown to become a multi-award winning engineering company, serving customers worldwide from international headquarters in the UK and USA..

1978

Slingco founded by Chris Dykins. Today, his sons Nick (CEO) and Matt (President of Slingco America) steer the ship.

1980

Slingco becomes a Limited Company.

1989

Slingco relocates to larger premises in Rochdale, UK, receives ISO 9001 Quality Management approval, and receives the first order from British Aerospace Systems (control cables for Hawk Fighter, Sea Harrier, Tornado and 146 Aircraft).

1996

An in-house design team is formed, leading to development of a range of new products. We also install our first tension wire grid (an almost invisible 'virtual floor' for lighting access in theatres) at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, England.

2002

Trading starts in the USA.

2003

Our USA distribution warehouse opens in Louisville, Kentucky.

2007

Our UK manufacturing business relocates to larger premises in Whitworth, Lancashire. Meanwhile, our USA facility relocates to Fayetteville, GA and is incorporated in the state of Georgia.

2013

Slingco India is formed. This has given us the ability to work more closely with our supply chain and check, test and verify compliance to standards and specifications.

2014

Slingco America moves to larger premises to meet the needs of the expanding US utilities market.

2016

Slingco Ltd receives the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.

2019

Slingco India moves to larger premises and investment is made in additional CNC machinery to meet growing demand.

2020

Slingco Ltd receives the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.

2021

Slingco UK moves to their new 32,000 square foot, state-of-the-art premises, retaining 77 jobs and plans to add a further 30
Recognised on Ward Hadaway’s North West Fastest50 list
Slingco founder, Chris Dykins celebrates his 80th birthday and longest standing team member, Rob Schofield celebrates 40 years service

Don't see the product you need?

Our range is continually developing and expanding - plus we frequently undertake custom engineering design - so if you don’t see the exact product you need, please contact us with your exact requirements.