127-year-old textile firm in administration

LANCASHIRE textile manufacturer JH Birtwistle & Co has called in administrators.

Julian Pitts and David Wilson of Begbies Traynor were appointed joint administrators to the £7m turnover company yesterday, which weaved fabrics for use in the manufacture of home furnishings.

It employed 102 staff at its Grane Road Mill site in Haslingden, but the administrators were unable to confirm how many jobs would be lost. 

The company, established in 1882, was placed into administration following the failure of sister company Stead McAlpin & Co Ltd in Carlisle, a textile printers which was JH Birtwistle’s main customer. 

JH Birtwistle was sold by the John Lewis Partnership in 2007 and became part of Apex Textiles.

Mr Pitts said: “We are confident that we will be able to sell the business as a going concern, so safeguarding the remaining jobs at the mill.

“With its hundred year history, the firm is long-established and well-respected within the industry.  The mill is a significant size with 75 weaving looms and a £7m turnover which we believe will make it an attractive proposition for a potential purchaser.”