About Knitwire Limited
Knitwire Limited is a UK manufacturer and supplier of high-quality knitted wire mesh solutions, serving a wide range of industrial, technical, and specialist applications. Based in Cheshire, we design, manufacture, and supply knitted mesh products to customers across the UK and internationally.
Our products are used in demanding environments where performance, reliability, and longevity are critical. Typical applications include anti-vandal mesh for protective textiles, mist eliminators (demisters) for the petrochemical industry, vibration control, filtration, shielding, and bespoke engineered solutions.
Solution-Focused Manufacturing
At Knitwire, we take a solution-based approach to every project. Rather than offering off-the-shelf products alone, we work closely with customers to understand their application requirements and deliver knitted wire mesh solutions that meet precise technical and operational needs.
We are known for our flexibility, technical support, and rapid turnaround, ensuring customers receive the right product, on time, and to specification.
Our Mission
By working with Knitwire, customers gain access to over four decades of experience in knitted wire mesh manufacturing and application engineering. We remain agile in a changing market, offering flexibility, reliability, and long-term partnership.
Our Vision
To support long-term prosperity in manufacturing communities, particularly across Warrington, Widnes, and Runcorn — towns with deep industrial heritage and strong ties to the wire and manufacturing sectors.
Our Values
- Security – Providing stable, long-term employment
- High Standards – Delivering products and service that exceed expectations
- Compassion – Supporting others and acting responsibly
- Commitment – Building a resilient, dependable business
- Learning – Sharing knowledge to promote understanding and technical excellence
Experienced Engineering Team
Our in-house team of specialist design engineers supports customers throughout the entire design and development process. Many of our engineers have been with Knitwire since the early years of the company, bringing decades of industry knowledge and hands-on experience with knitted wire mesh materials and applications.
Using modern CAD and drawing software, our engineers can quickly turn concepts into detailed designs, helping customers visualise solutions and refine specifications before production.
In-House Tooling and Fabrication
With full in-house tooling and fabrication capabilities, Knitwire can accelerate development timelines and maintain tight control over quality. This allows us to:
- Produce prototypes for customer testing
- Make rapid design modifications
- Deliver consistent, repeatable manufacturing standards
This vertical integration is a key advantage for customers requiring custom or technically demanding knitted mesh products.
Company History
Knitwire Limited was founded in 1976 by Eric and Audrey Forber in Warrington, Cheshire — an area historically recognised as the heart of the UK wire processing industry.
From the outset, the company focused on combining innovative engineering solutions with robust, practical design. Over the decades, this approach has resulted in a diverse and well-established range of knitted wire mesh products used across multiple industries worldwide.
A Family-Owned Business
Knitwire remains family-owned and managed, now in its third generation. The business continues to be driven by strong family values, long-term thinking, and a commitment to both customers and employees.
Many members of our sales and manufacturing teams have been with the company for decades, creating a depth of experience and continuity that customers value. Today, Knitwire employs around 50 people in the UK and over 30 in South Africa, with family members still actively involved across the organisation.
Award-Winning Service
Our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer support has been recognised by our customers over many years. Knitwire has been named Supplier of the Year by several clients and was a runner-up at the 2019 Halton Business Awards for Big BID Business of the Year.
