When a legacy spans over a century and a half, it’s more than just history—it’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and unwavering purpose. Fort Gloster Industries Limited, today known for its world-class power cables and electrical infrastructure, began its journey in 1873—not as a cable manufacturer, but as a jute mill on the serene banks of the Ganges.
1873: A Humble Beginning on the Banks of the Ganges
It all began in colonial India, when the Fort Gloster Jute Manufacturing Company Limited was established on the land of a former British garrison in Bauria, West Bengal. This region—part of the Hooghly industrial belt—was then booming with jute production, and Fort Gloster quickly became one of the oldest and most iconic jute mills in the country.
The mill not only contributed significantly to India’s jute export economy but also shaped generations of local communities. Migrant workers from Bihar and Odisha became an integral part of the workforce, weaving more than just fiber—they helped weave Fort Gloster’s rich legacy.
1958: A New Identity, A New Purpose
The post-independence era brought change. In 1958, Fort Gloster began its bold transition from natural fiber to electricity. In collaboration with British Insulated Callenders Cables Ltd. (BICC), UK—one of the world’s leading cable manufacturers at the time—the company set up its Electrical Cable Division.
The transformation was so significant that the company was renamed Fort Gloster Industries Limited. This was more than a name change; it marked a complete pivot from jute to electrical manufacturing, laying the foundation for a new era.
1979: Bringing Japanese Precision to Indian Cables
The 1970s were a time of industrial innovation, and Fort Gloster was at the forefront. In 1979, it partnered with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Japan, to introduce India’s first Radial Curing Process for High Voltage XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) cables. To support this, a state-of-the-art CCV (Catenary Continuous Vulcanization) line was imported from Japan.
This technological leap placed Fort Gloster among the pioneers of high-performance cable manufacturing in India—a position it would hold for decades to come.
2020: A Revival Fueled by Legacy
After years of operational challenges, a new chapter began in 2020 when Gloster Limited, led by Shri Hemant Bangur, reacquired Fort Gloster Industries through the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). It was not just a business acquisition—it was a revival of heritage, passion, and purpose.
The Bangur family, already a respected name in the Indian industrial landscape, breathed fresh life into the facility. The company recommitted to building a future rooted in quality, sustainability, and excellence.
2021–2023: Rebuilding the Future, Brick by Brick
The transformation was swift and substantial. Between 2021 and 2023, the entire Fort Gloster factory was overhauled. Outdated machinery was replaced with modern, automated production lines, and the premises were expanded to accommodate state-of-the-art testing and quality control labs.
By 2023, Fort Gloster had secured ISO 9001 certification, and its laboratories were undergoing NABL accreditation—a clear sign of the company’s commitment to international quality standards.
2024: Back in Power
Fort Gloster’s comeback was officially sealed in May 2024, when it successfully commenced production of Medium Voltage Power Cables as per IS 7098 (Part 2):2011. These were not just cables—they were proof that the brand had returned stronger, sharper, and more future-ready than ever.
Simultaneously, under its jute division Gloster Nuvo Limited, the company re-established its legacy in sustainable natural fibers with a production capacity of 138 MT/day. Once again, Fort Gloster became a symbol of industrial duality—connecting heritage with modernity.
Legacy Meets Vision
Today, Fort Gloster Industries Limited stands as a beacon of Indian industrial excellence—where a 150-year-old legacy meets cutting-edge innovation. From its humble jute origins to powering India’s energy infrastructure, the company’s journey has been marked by reinvention, trust, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Its core values—fairness, sustainability, transparency, and continuous improvement—are not just part of its mission; they are the pillars upon which every product and relationship is built.
Conclusion: More Than a Company—A Legacy Engineered for Tomorrow
Fort Gloster’s journey isn’t just about cables or jute. It’s about adapting to change, leading with purpose, and honoring the past while shaping the future. It’s about proving that even after 150 years, a legacy can still shine brighter than ever.
Because at Fort Gloster, we don’t just manufacture cables—we connect heritage to progress, and power to possibility.