Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. pioneered the introduction of the safety fuse for mining and military explosives.
William Bickford invented his “Miner’s Safety Fuse” in 1831 in Tuckingmill, Cornwall, England where he worked as a leather merchant. Mr. Bickford’s invention was not made for any material gain, but in the spirit of saving lives. The company’s founder, Joseph Toy, laid the foundations of the business that would dominate the fuse industry.
Company Timeline
1836
Company founded by William Bickford in Simsbury, CT, producing the world's first safety fuse for mining saving hundreds of lives annually.
1937
Primacord® detonating cord is trademarked.
1952
Establishment of Ensign-Bickford Foundation supporting a variety of local causes.
1978
Confined Detonating Cord is pioneered for use on the Space Shuttle.
1999
Acquisition of AFB, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability.
2010
Acquisition of EnviroLogix®, a global market leader and manufacturer of fast, effective and easy-to-use analytical technology for every lab, in every field.
2017
Acquisition of TiNi Aerospace, Inc., the foremost manufacturer of mechanisms employing Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials used in solutions from deep sea to deep space.
2022
Acquisition of Cawood, the UK’s leading specialist scientific group providing laboratory analysis, contract research and field services for the agriculture, food, infrastructure, and environmental sectors.