1870s3

1870s

1878: J.P. Tolman, member of the first graduating class at MIT, founded the J.P. Tolman Company in Massachusetts.

1880s

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  • ​1884: The company's now-famous trademark depicting Samson slaying a lion is registered.

    1884s
  • 1888s

    1888: Samson Cordage Works is incorporated in Massachusetts; creates first braided rope with a reinforced core. Spot Cord® is still sold and used today!

  • 1889: American Manufacturing Co. (AMCO) is founded.

1900s

  • 1909s

  • 1909: Samson celebrates 25th anniversary with a series of trademark coins—currently displayed at Samson’s headquarters.

1950s

  • 1957: Samson develops the first synthetic double-braided rope -- a major innovation for the rope industry.

    1957s

  • 1957: Samson appeals to the modern housewife with an advertisement in Good Housekeeping.

    1957s2

1960s

  • 1962s

  • 1962: Since the Friendship Space program, Samson double-braided ropes have been used to retrieve all NASA space capsules launched to date.

1970s

  • 1970: Samson installs new braider with a 21-inch circumference capacity specifically to produce ropes for the offshore oil and commercial marine industries.

  • ​1972: Samson Nystron double-braid rope becomes the first synthetic fiber rope used to moor an oil tanker to a loading Buoy in the North Sea.

    1972s
  • 1977s

    1977: The first flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle uses lightweight, high-strength Samson ropes to operate the shuttle’s cargo bay doors.

1980s

  • 1980: ​​Samson continues to pioneer new technologies, introducing the first High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) ropes, with strengths 3 to 4 times that of conventional nylon and polyester fiber.

  • 1981: ​Round Plait construction is introduced as RP-12, and the Tuck splice is developed with the help of tug crews using the rope in the Panama Canal.

  • 1988: Samson headquarters moves coast-to-coast from Shirley, Mass., to Ferndale, Washington.

  • 1980s

1990s

  • 1992: AMCO creates the Ultra Blue product line, 30% stronger than the equivalent polypropylene construction.

    1992s

  • 1993: Samson Ocean Systems, Herzog Rope, and AMCO merge to form The American Group.

  • 1996: ​Samson develops flagship brand AmSteel®-Blue leveraging benefits of 100% Dyneema® brand HMPE; it is still the most trusted synthetic rope brand on the market.

    1996s

  • 1997: Receive first ISO certification, with latest certification in 2018 (to ISO 9001-2015).

2000s

  • 2001: ​The company returns to its roots and is renamed Samson Rope Technologies.

  • 2003s

    2003: A new proprietary fiber technology, DPXTM, is developed (2003) and patented (2006), incorporating high-strength HMPE fiber with spun polyester to provide a higher coefficient of friction for better grip.

  • 2008s

    2008: M-8 is developed specifically for use with anchoring system to facilitate ROV connections at extreme depths. Its unique design prevents foreign particle ingress.

2010s

  • 2010s1

    2010: Samson develops Vulcan, an emergency tow-off pendant made from aramid fiber with a proprietary heat-resistant coating applied to the core.

  • 2010: Samson develops 100% HMPE product, Saturn-12, with proprietary coating to reduce internal abrasion.

    2010s2

  • 2013: Samson launches the Samson App, giving users mobile access to inspection and retirement criteria and splice instructions.

    2013s

  • 2014: ​Samson partners with Manitowoc Cranes to launch K-100™, the first synthetic hoist rope designed specifically for mobile cranes.

    2014s
  • 2015s

    2015: ​Fusion-12 is developed to bridge the gap between performance and investment for customers needing an alternative to 100% HMPE.

  • 2017: Samson introduces EverSteel-X, featuring Dyneema DM20 fiber, designed specifically for Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs).

    2017s

  • 2017: National Business Research Institute recognized Samson with its prestigious Circle of Excellence award, based upon our customer rankings in Customer Satisfaction.

    2017s2
  • 2018s2

    2018: Samson celebrates 140 years in business.

  • 2018: Sharing the belief that every business can improve their social, economic, and environmental bottom line, Samson releases first annual Sustainability Report.

  • 2018: ​Samson launches integrated technology and service platform, Icaria™, helping mooring customers transition to operational best practices outlined in MEG4.

    Helping Mooring
  • 2018s1

    2018: Exclusive agreement with Alaska Chadux Network for the manufacture of Emergency Vessel Attachment and Towing System (EVATS™) – a new approach to emergency vessel attachment and towing.

  • 2018s1

    2018: CLASSROOM™ is launched. An online training platform built by Samson experts, Classroom's guided learning paths provide a curriculum for mastery of particular subjects, including Splicer Certification, Repair Procedures, Residual Strength Testing, and much more.

  • 2021 Samson begins offering several products made with sustainable, bio-sourced fiber. This innovation utilizes the mass balance approach to sourcing and further reduces reliance on fossil-based resources.

    2018s2

  • 2022: New and improved Samson app launched, bringing the latest in rope maintenance, innovation, and technology to the palm of your hand. Now it’s easier than ever to track the condition of your rope while you are in the field.

    2018s1
  • 2018s2

    2022: SamsonDry™ introduced, a revolutionary hydrophobic coating that reduces water uptake in rope by 95% — keeping it lighter and safer in wet conditions

  • 2018s1

    2023: Samson acquires Folch Ropes, S.A., a Spanish manufacturing company headquartered in Barcelona. In addition to enabling strategic growth, a European manufacturing presence will allow Samson to better supply European customers with new technology and localized support.