A textile firm is celebrating 150 years in business – by gearing up for a bright new future.

Woollen yarn spinner Stork Brothers Ltd marked the occasion by inviting former directors, managers and employees to its premises at Bay Hall Works, Birkby.

And it is looking to the future with a job-creating investment in new equipment following its takeover earlier this year by seating fabric specialist Camira, based at Meltham and Mirfield.

Among those attending the celebrations were former managing directors Richard Stork – great-grandson of founder Joseph Stork – and Ian Marshall, who were given an update on company activities by current managing director Stephen Moorhouse.

Operations manager Chris Royle said: “The business has changed slightly over the years, but the process has remained the same. The company is still based in the original premises, which were built by the founder.”

Following the takeover, Stork Brothers now supplies yarn to Camira for se in its range of fabrics used for office seating and to cover seats on buses, coaches and trains across the world.

Camira has invested in a new carding machine at the Birkby plant, which will increase capacity from about 18 tonnes of wool a week to about 22 tonnes.

Mr Royle said Stork Brothers expected to add to its 75-strong workforce next year, although the number of new jobs is yet to be finalised.

Stork Brothers Ltd. 150th anniversary, Bay Hall Mills, Birkby - Former Managing Directors Richard Stork (front) - great grandson of founder Joseph Stork - and Ian Marshall (right) with current MD Stephen Moorhouse
Stork Brothers Ltd. 150th anniversary, Bay Hall Mills, Birkby - Former Managing Directors Richard Stork (front) - great grandson of founder Joseph Stork - and Ian Marshall (right) with current MD Stephen Moorhouse

He said Camira was enjoying particular success with its Blazer range of classic wool felt upholstery fabric, adding: “The busier Camira gets, the busier we will become.”

Mr Royle said: “The average lifespan of a business these days is 10 years, so we are proud to still be here after 150.

“We have the potential now not just to keep plodding along, but to set Stork Brothers up for another 150 years.”

STORK Brothers Ltd was founded in 1863 when 31-year-old Joseph Stork built Bay Hall Mills to establish the company with his brother Thomas.

The growth of the hosiery industry in the Midlands fuelled demand for woollen spun yarn, powering the business for 100 years until new markets opened in apparel, hand-knitting and woollen upholstery.

In 1973 after four generations, the company was acquired by British Mohair Spinners, which was itself taken over in 2000.

Camira took full ownership of Stork Brothers earlier this year to safeguard the supply chain and innovate new products.

The company’s main product is upholstery yarns for weaving – although it still produces a range of hosiery and technical yarns for end products such as clothing, sugar filtration, walking socks and mop heads.

The company employees 75 people and operates 24 hour a day with a capacity of up to 20,000kg a week of spun yarn.

The company recently commissioned two new winding machines and later this year will install a new carding machine to increase capacity by up to 4,000kg a week.

Stork Brothers believes in training and investing in employees and has 20% of the workforce on courses ranging from team leader to textile technology.