A certified B Corp, two-time Queen’s Award winner, and member of the United Nations Global Compact, we’ve introduced a variety of groundbreaking products and world firsts, like the automatic lancing device and the plastic auto-injector. On top of this, we’ve set up state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and remain committed to expanding even further—making it clear we’ve achieved successful growth in all areas of our business. Over our incredible 70-year milestone journey, we’re especially proud to still be a family-run company.
More than 70 years ago, our founders John Mumford and Ivan Owen met during their apprenticeships at Longworth Scientific Co. Ltd (now Penlon Ltd) in Oxford. As Ivan gained hands-on experience, he always dreamed of owning his own company but realized it would be hard to do alone. Admiring John’s skill as a fitter (Ivan was a turner by trade), Ivan suggested they go into business together—and John accepted right away.
With two years left in their apprenticeships, they had plenty of time to map out how they would bring their dream to life. First, they approached Ivan’s father, Tom Owen. Tom was so impressed with Ivan and John’s plans that he asked if he could join them as an equal partner. Although Tom had no background in engineering, his administrative skills were excellent, so his offer was gladly accepted—completing another piece of the puzzle.
The next step was finding a business location: some lock-up garages. Then came securing the essential machinery (which, fun fact, was delivered by a local weightlifter!). With Tom’s support, all three were optimistic about future opportunities. A visit to the Radcliffe Infirmary on Woodstock Road, Oxford, soon opened doors to their first business prospects.
Ivan and John met with Professor Robert Macintosh, inventor of the Macintosh laryngoscope, also the primary product of their apprenticeship firm. Professor Macintosh suggested improving the device to help doctors inspect patients’ larynxes more easily—giving John and Ivan their very first product.
Professor Macintosh also inspired Owen Mumford’s second major innovation: The Oxford Inflating Bellows (OIB). This versatile artificial ventilation and anesthesia system became Owen Mumford’s breakthrough product—one that would still be sold 40 years later. Affordable and lightweight, the OIB could be used anywhere in the world, in any climate. This experience helped the partners realize how they could use their skills and business to genuinely improve people’s lives—it was the start of the values we uphold to this day.
The entrepreneurial passion and business philosophies of our two founders built a strong foundation for the company and paved the way for further inventions that improved lives, while driving stable, ongoing growth. From our earliest days making medical devices and introducing plastics, through to trade molding, John was central to our design and manufacturing success, while Ivan always pursued new opportunities that led to better strategies and product development. This pioneering spirit has flourished over the decades—key to introducing many innovative devices that have changed the medical device industry and made Owen Mumford a global leader and trusted partner for the world’s top pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic companies.