Bostik

Boston Blacking Company

Bostik had its origins in the Boston Blacking Company, manufacturers of leather colourings and dyes, which was founded in Massachusetts, USA in 1889. In 1929 this became part of the US United Shoe Machinery, the parent company of the British United Shoe Machinery Company (BUSMC), which was established in Leicester in 1899 with works on Belgrave Road. Boston Blacking opened its first branch in Leicester in Belvoir Street in 1898, and later had factories in Brunswick Street and at Syston. In 1933 these were moved to the former Gimson Shoe Machinery factory in Ulverscroft Road.

Bostik

The Boston Blacking Company changed its name to Bostik in the 1960s, but the first product sold under that name - an adhesive for backing shoe insoles - was launched in 1931. Later adverts featured ‘the BOSTIK MAN’, whose technical expertise and practical experience was ‘yours for the asking’ for advice on adhesives, sealants and other products. The Leicester factory also provided social facilities for current and former employees, from sports clubs competing in local leagues, to annual dances, tea parties for retired workers, and the Quarter Century Club established in 1953 for those with 25 years’ service.

The invention of Blue Tack

One of Bostik’s most popular products, the low pressure, reusable adhesive Blu Tack, was invented – by accident! - at the company’s factory in Leicester in 1969. An experiment to develop a new bathroom sealant was not a success, but small pieces of the white substance it produced were used to stick up notices around the works. The company realised its potential, and started to manufacture it commercially. By 2015 it was producing around 1000 tonnes of Blu Tack per week. The blue colouring was added to avoid anyone mistaking it for chewing gum, and in 2008 a pink version was sold to raise awareness of breast cancer.  

The BUSM factory on Belgrave Road