# Velcro Companies

> Velcro Companies is the maker of the original VELCRO Brand hook-and-loop fastener, invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral after studying burrs under a microscope in the 1940s. From its U.S. base in Manchester, New Hampshire, the privately held firm designs and manufactures thousands of fastening variants - from basic fabric closures to injection-molded plastics, high-temperature retention systems and medical-grade straps - serving customers across medical, aerospace, automotive, military, industrial, footwear, packaging and consumer markets in roughly seven countries.

- **Founded:** 1941
- **Headquarters:** Manchester, New Hampshire, United States
- **Founders:** George de Mestral (Inventor & Founder)
- **Team size:** ~2,500 employees
- **Products:** VELCRO Brand hook-and-loop fasteners, Injection-molded plastic fasteners (mushroom / mold-in hooks), Medical-grade fasteners and straps, High-temperature and mil-spec fasteners, Low-profile / thin fasteners
- **Notable:** Commercialized the world's first practical hook-and-loop fastener, creating an entirely new product category., VELCRO Brand fasteners adopted by NASA for spaceflight, including the Space Shuttle program., Founder George de Mestral inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

## Products & services

- **VELCRO Brand hook-and-loop fasteners** — The original nylon hook-and-loop fastening system, sold as tapes, straps, dots and coins for consumer and industrial use.
- **Injection-molded plastic fasteners (mushroom / mold-in hooks)** — Continuous molded hook technology used in automotive seating and laminate applications where fabric loops are unsuitable.
- **Medical-grade fasteners and straps** — Skin-safe, latex-free fastening used in tourniquets, orthopedic braces, wearable monitors and other medical devices.
- **High-temperature and mil-spec fasteners** — Fasteners engineered to withstand harsh environments - some rated to roughly 800C - for aerospace, oil and gas, utilities and defense.
- **Low-profile / thin fasteners** — Thinner, more flexible fasteners for electronics, fashion and sleek consumer designs.
- **Cable management and ONE-WRAP ties** — Reusable back-to-back hook-and-loop straps for bundling and organizing cables and cords.
- **Pressure-sensitive and adhesive-backed fasteners** — Stick-on hook-and-loop for mounting, crafting, home organization and packaging closures.
- **ECO Collection** — Consumer fasteners made with recycled content, emphasizing the reusable, lower-waste nature of hook-and-loop.

## Achievements

- Commercialized the world's first practical hook-and-loop fastener, creating an entirely new product category.
- VELCRO Brand fasteners adopted by NASA for spaceflight, including the Space Shuttle program.
- Founder George de Mestral inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
- Built the brand so successfully that 'velcro' entered everyday language - prompting the viral 'Don't Say Velcro' trademark campaign.
- Grew from a single New Hampshire textile operation to a manufacturer spanning roughly seven countries.

## Latest updates

- **2026** — Arsenal Capital Partners agreed to acquire a majority stake in Velcro Companies from the Cripps Foundation, which retains a minority position; deal expected to close in Q4 2026.
- **2021-11** — Gabriella Parisse named CEO after serving as Chief Growth Officer, following a career at Johnson & Johnson and Tate & Lyle.
- **2017** — Released the viral 'Don't Say Velcro' music video to defend the trademark against genericide.

## Links

- Website: https://velcro.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/velcro-companies
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/velcrobrand
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VELCRObrand
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velcrobrand/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/velcrobrand

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/velcro-companies
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-07-25