UK/INTERNATIONAL
Carrington Textiles and Pincroft, based in Lancashire, the cradle of the Briritsh textile industry, are celebrating their 130th anniversary this year, a great milestone for one of Europe’s largest fully integrated textile processing and finishing operations.
The companies' story dates back to the 19th century when Benjamin Davies from Adlington and brother in law James Eckersley from Duxbury, after buying the Huyton Bleachworks in 1848, went on to operate in 1891 the Pincroft Dyeing and Printing Company for bleaching and finishing of fabrics. Davies and Eckersley were experienced businessmen and fabric bleachers who, in April 1885, had invented a ‘washing and rinsing machine’ used in bleachworks with a more efficient use of energy and water.
Fast forward a century to 1998 since when, after joining forces with Carrington Textiles, the companies have seen a considerable increase in turnover from €50 million in 1999 to €104 million in 2019, as well as growing their export business extensively breaking into new geographical markets including Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Investment and development have been a key factor for the success of the textile giants, with over €45 million invested in new machinery, processes, laboratories, warehousing and sustainable energy projects.
This in turn has driven Carrington Textiles and Pincroft into becoming one of the largest suppliers of workwear, flame retardant, waterproof, defence and sustainable fabrics to some of the biggest companies in the world with increased production of over 15 million metres in 1999 to 55 million metres in 2019.
Achieving the highest standards
By enhancing fabric performance through continuous development in advanced technologies that are carefully implemented with respect to the environment as a priority, both companies have achieved standards including ISO 50001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for energy, quality and environmental management respectively.
Other important certifications also include Oeko Tex that certifies fabrics meet human-ecological requirements, and Bluesign that sets and controls standards for environmentally friendly and safe production.
Proud legacy
Carrington Textiles and Pincroft have not only supplied millions of metres of fabric to armed forces around the world, including the UK and Dutch Ministries of Defence, the Finnish and Estonian armies and the Royal Oman Police, but have also been key players during the coronavirus pandemic by supplying more than 4 million metres (and counting) of specialised fabric to the healthcare sector in the UK and mainland Europe.
Helping the community is also a key part of both companies, that’s why in the last 5 years alone over £100,000 have been given to support sports clubs and individuals, hospices, youth centres and students.
John Vareldzis, group CEO said: “Celebrating 130 years in textile manufacturing is not only a testament to our contributions to the UK’s textile movement since the late 1800s, but also to our commitment to continue providing the best quality workwear fabrics.”
Carrington Textiles and Pincroft, as part of their 130th anniversary celebrations, have created a distinctive logo to mark the occasion featuring the British Union Jack to represent their proud British legacy and will be sharing historical facts monthly on their website and social media.
