A textile firm which supplies leading fashion brands Ralph Lauren and Burberry has been bought out by an Italian company.
The Very English Weaving Company, based at Upper Mills in Slaithwaite, has been taken over by major Italian manufacturer Lanificio Angelico, raising hopes of new jobs and investment.
Very English Weaving was launched in 2012 when long-established textile firm Marling & Evans faced closure.
Local businessman Paul Callaghan stepped in to save the company and its skilled workforce.
He has now completed a deal to secure the firm’s long-term future and those of its 15 employees.
Mr Callaghan, who steps down as managing director, said: “The significant support of a large international company like Angelico ensures a fantastic future not only for the staff but also for the range of companies that supply Very English with products and services.”
He said the plan of new boss Massimo Angelico was to invest and develop the mill and create new jobs.
Mr Callaghan told how he took on the company despite having no previous experience in the textile trade.
He said he “failed to see the sense” in Marling & Evans going under with the loss of a skilled workforce when high quality British textiles were on the verge of a resurgence.
The firm survived a “very tough start” with support from suppliers including yarn spinner Z Hinchliffe & Sons, of Denby Dale, and finishers W T Johnson in Moldgreen.
It quickly established a reputation for quality and service and customers now include designer brands Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Hackett.
Mr Callaghan said the firm needed outside investment to achieve its potential in international markets.
