Textile manufacturer confident for 2011 with strong order book
A YORKSHIRE manufacturer is confident for 2011 after revealing that its order book is up by 50% as export sales continue to grow.
Export sales at Huddersfield-based Phoenox Textiles, which manufactures an eco-friendly range of barrier mats, bathmats, pet beds and Big Hug beanbags, jumped from £800,000 in 2009 to £1.4m last year.
The company’s projected export sales for this year are £2.1m.
Liz Mosley, sales and marketing director, said: “We are the only UK manufacturer of barrier mats and, following our distribution warehouse being set up at the end of last year, US customers are placing massive orders for our British made products.
“Our first orders to Europe went out in December last year and already we are receiving repeat orders, double the original quantities.
“We have recruited 10 staff in the last quarter, across the company, including distribution, production and administration personnel and a brand manager to meet the growing demand.”
Jeegar Kakkad, from the manufacturers’ organisation EEF, said: “Manufacturing remains the one bright spot on the landscape clouded with uncertainty but there are widespread challenges at home and abroad that could still dent growth this year.”
Phoenox Textiles diversified its offering in the face of cheap product flooding in from the Far East.
Its ranges’ eco-credentials include more than 41,000 discarded tyres and plastic bottles recycled content, recyclable, biodegradable and organic pure fruit dyes.
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