Formed in 1873 as a co-operative of fishing vessel owners, it was a communal best-value support services company involved in servicing and supplying a variety of products and services for fleets, fishing, and other vessels, providing: The communal model grew around a number of other fishing and later UK marine ports, before the company was bought out by the son of one of the original founders, businessman (John) Carl Ross of the Ross Group.

The original businesses has now developed into marine and industrial safety centre, and diversified into other markets, including: Workwear and Corporatewear.

[1] In the mid-2000s and looking to sell the Leisure business, the division was eventually sold to Leeds-based turnaround specialists Endless Fund, but collapsed into administration 12months later.

After losing 240 jobs and one factory, it was bought by a management team and renamed Cosalt Custom Homes,[2] preserving 20jobs.

Trading in the company's shares was suspended when the deadline for producing its Annual Results and Report for year end 31 December 2011 passed in April 2012.