Historic Hilden on the move with Vision

THE revival of historic Lancashire textile brand Hilden continued today as it moved into a new head office.

The company, which dates back to 1874, collapsed into administration last July and was rescued by Manchester company Vision Support Services.

VSS, which is owned by entrepreneur Dan Wright, has already returned the business to profit and invested heavily in a new IT system and introduced new warehousing and distribution facilities.

The 5,500sq ft office at Darwen House, Walker Park on the fringes of Blackburn, is less than five miles away from the firm’s former home at Clifton Mill, Accrington.

Hilden, which supplies bed, bath and table linens to laundry hire and wholesale customers worldwide and sister company Liddell, which supplies linens to leading hotels and restaurants, are trading well and will jointly turnover £20m this year.

Laurie Thomas, managing director of VSS said:: “We are highly delighted with the performance of both Hilden & Liddell since the acquisition. The continued support of our highly motivated staff and loyal customer base has over the past few months been phenomenal. 

“This has in turn reaffirmed our confidence to invest in major projects such as the new IT system and office move.”

Last year’s rescue deal safeguarded more than  50 jobs in Lancashire plus five posts at the Liddell office in Belfast. 

Sales director Mark Lockwood added: “Hilden has a long established Lancashire heritage and has been part of the local community for over 134 years. 

“Finding a new home within a five mile radius of our previous premises allows us to continue to be a part of the local community and to further build our heritage in the region”.

The five-year lease deal, was handled by Manchester based solicitors Zatman & Co.