Spinning a Continuous Yarn
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 02 Oct 2009 | Tagged as: Textiles
Specialising in quality textiles for 226 years, Pudsey-based Hainsworth boasts a unique success story with the eighth generation of the family still heading affairs.
Much of the North’s prosperity is rooted in its rich heritage of textile manufacturing. Despite the challenges of recent years, some companies such as Hainsworth are proving able to adapt and carve out a place for themselves in 21st century commerce. From its origins in woollen ceremonial cloths (the Woolsack in the House of Lords is covered in Hainsworth cloth), the company has diversified to establish itself as a major producer of protective fabrics, interior furnishings and even snooker and pool cloth.
Bio-degradable
Specialising in quality textiles for 226 years, Pudsey-based Hainsworth boasts a unique success story with the eighth generation of the family still heading affairs.
Much of the North’s prosperity is rooted in its rich heritage of textile manufacturing. Despite the challenges of recent years, some companies such as Hainsworth are proving able to adapt and carve out a place for themselves in 21st century commerce. From its origins in woollen ceremonial cloths (the Woolsack in the House of Lords is covered in Hainsworth cloth), the company has diversified to establish itself as a major producer of protective fabrics, interior furnishings and even snooker and pool cloth.
Bio-degradable textile coffins lifted the company into the headlines again this year and there’s a whole lot more going on as this remarkable enterprise continues to develop. A complete and modern re-branding has narrowed down the operational divisions from a dozen to a more manageable four and plans for a joint venture in the USA are well-advanced.
The company has also established its own, award-winning textile innovation centre for which has become an internationally recognised authority in the design and development of woven textiles for its own and other firm’s products. Sales of protective clothing fabrics are launching into Europe – they already supply many UK emergency services and the Red Arrows flyers. And if you feel like treating yourself of someone else this Christmas, Hainsworth is also re-launching its range of luxury blankets, available through Harrods and other top stores.
Watch this space!
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