Adlington, United Kingdom: Based in Lancashire, the birthplace of British textiles, Carrington Textiles and Pincroft are celebrating in 2021 their 130 anniversary, a great milestone for one of Europe’s largest fully integrated textile processing and finishing operations.

• The story of the company dates back to the 19th century when Benjamin Davies from Adlington and brother in law James Eckersley from Duxbury after buying together the Huyton Bleachworks in 1848, started operation of the Pincroft Dyeing and Printing company for bleaching and finishing of fabrics in 1891. Davies and Eckersley were experienced businessmen and fabric bleachers and back in April 1885 they had invented a ‘washing and rinsing machine’ used in bleachworks with a more efficient use of energy and water.

• Fast forward a century and in 1998 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 euro 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’s and Dutch Ministries of Defence, the Finnish and Estonian armies and the Royal Oman Police, but also have been a key player 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:

“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.”

• Celebrating 130 years in 2021, Carrington Textiles is one of Europe’s largest textile suppliers to the workwear market. With bases in the UK, mainland Europe and Asia, Carrington Textiles supports many of the world’s largest employers in sectors including heavy industry, hospitality, defence and health.

• Formed in Lancashire, United Kingdom, in 1891, the company continues to lead the industry in textiles for personal protective equipment. Carrington Textiles’ current product range includes sustainable, workwear, flame retardant, waterproof and defence fabrics, with properties that include anti-viral, antistatic, high visibility, water repellency as well as protection against chemical splash, electric arc and ultraviolet radiation.

• Operating in 81 countries and with a wide international network of sales representatives, customers include: NHS, McDonalds, BUPA, TATA Steel, Shell, Coca Cola, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, BP, Arcelor Mittal to name a few.