New service suits historic weaver
AN HISTORIC fine cloth weaver has launched a new suit making service for British tailors.
Huddersfield’s C&J Antich & Sons has launched the English Tailoring Company, which is based at a separate site at the Textile Centre of Excellence. Here, the company has an end-to-end production line, allowing the firm to weave fine worsted cloth from sheep’s wool. It will then manufacture suits on behalf of British tailors.
The new production facility will enable the company to manufacture 200 bespoke suits every month.
Chairman Chris Antich said this will provide British tailors with a competitive alternative to outsourced overseas manufacture.
“We’re very proud to be able to offer this service to the tailors of England,” he said.
“Sending production overseas is becoming less attractive, and now we can provide independent tailors with an alternative to foreign manufacture that carries many benefits. Our lead times are quicker for one, our cloth is superior, our production line is ‘greener’ for the environment, and let’s not forget the positive implications that domestic production has for the UK economy. Domestic garment and textile manufacture was something that Britain was built on, but sadly it declined. However, our new venture, the English Tailoring Company, is a positive step in the reinvigoration of British manufacturing. And we hope to see other businesses trying to do the same.”
C&J Antich & Sons dates back to the 1860’s and today, the firm, which has a turnover of £2.8m, employs 90 people and produces around 40,000 metres of fabric each week.
