Textile business invests in future

A TEXTILE business is investing in machinery to boost production.

Laxtons Specialist Yarns has bought a specialist yarn production machine that is only the second of its type in the UK.

It is the latest part of a £1m investment in its manufacturing facility including a new packing line.

Managing director James Laxton said: “Since launching the commercial wool worsted manufacturing facility in 2010 we have increased turnover by 30% and have created several new jobs as well as safeguarding existing ones.

“We have been pleasantly surprised by the growing number of well-known brands which want to buy British.  Although in the past they have bought cheaper yarns overseas, the cost of their finished fabric rose due to poor weaving efficiency creating more mending and greater returns.

“By switching to our British-made yarn, they have increased efficiencies, reduced, or eliminated, mending and returns and are radically reducing their costs allowing them to become more competitive.”

The investment in new machinery has been supported by funding from Yorkshire Bank.

Andrew Cook, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s West Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre, said: “The UK economy needs more successful manufacturers and exporters such as Laxtons Specialist Yarns and we’re pleased to be supporting such a bold and exciting business.”