Manufacturer snaps up high-tech textiles business

BRADFORD business SDC Enterprises has bought a Holmfirth-based weaver for an undisclosed sum.

SDC Enterprises manufactures colour fastness test materials. It received funding from NatWest to buy the business, Sam Weller & Sons, which manufactures technical and industrial fabrics.

Management at Sam Weller have been planning an exit, and the acquisition will mean that 16 jobs are safeguarded at the business.

Anthony Weller will join the board of SDCE as a non-executive director.

The businesses have worked together for several years to keep the manufacture of test fabrics in the UK.

The expanded business will supply narrow weaving and full-width fabrics, and add quality control expertise to Sam Weller’s offering.

Paul Dawson, senior relationship manager, NatWest Commercial Banking said: “Now specified by many major retailers, SDC products have become the industry-standard, worldwide, for those organisations wishing to invest in the quality and value of their brand or product. It’s fantastic that with our support they will safeguard jobs locally.”