In the late 1950's, scientists at Johnson & Johnson discovered whilst researching a new type of surgical suture that collagen could be reconstituted to make a material ideal for edible sausage casings and established Devro to develop this technology.
Devro was part of Johnson & Johnson until a management buyout in April 1991. Following the buyout, the company listed on the London Stock Exchange in June 1993.
In January 1996, Devro completed the acquisition of Teepak International Inc which included the collagen technologies of Coria, based in South Carolina, US and Cutisin, based in the Czech Republic. These technologies complemented the Devro technology and provided Devro with a low cost manufacturing base in the Czech Republic and a platform to supply products in the developing markets of Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Some of the more significant dates in Devro's history are set out below:-
| Late 1950's | Scientists at Johnson & Johnson discovered whilst developing a new type of surgical suture that collagen could be reconstituted to make a material ideal for the casing of sausages. | |
| 1962 | Devro founded. Devro's name was derived from its original function as the "Development and Research Organisation" of Johnson & Johnson. | |
| 1963 | Manufacturing plant built in New Jersey, USA | |
| 1964 | Manufacturing plant built in Moodiesburn, Scotland | |
| 1976 | Manufacturing plant built in Bellshill, Scotland | |
| 1979 | Manufacturing plant built in Bathurst, NSW, Australia | |
| 1991 | Management buyout for £108 million from Johnson & Johnson | |
| 1993 | Listing on London Stock Exchange | |
| 1995 | Announced agreement in principle to acquire Teepak International Inc for US $135million plus net debt of Teepak of US$ 155 million conditional on clearance by the relevant competition authorities. | |
| 1996 | Acquisition of Teepak International Inc completed. The two companies commence trading under the Devro-Teepak name | |
| 1996 | Disposal of Devro America (manufacturing plant in New Jersey and finishing plant in Ontario, Canada) to Nitta Casings Inc. | |
| 1998 | Increased holding of Cutisin a.s. to 96%. | |
| 2001 | Disposal of Cellulose business to Lake Pacific Partners, LLC. | |
| 2003 | Formed a joint venture company to develop our expertise in manufacturing and marketing speciality products made from naturally occurring raw materials | |
| 2004 | Acquired remaining shares in Cutisin. | |
| 2004 | Thin-film manufacturing facility at Hamilton, Scotland opened. | |
| 2006 | Significant expansion of Cutisin facilities completed. | |
| 2007 | Disposal of thin-film business. |