A family-run manufacturer of textile materials has invested £9million in a new 60,000sq. ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bradford, which was officially opened by the Princess Royal today.
To future-proof its operation and enable the production of Springbond, a new eco-engineered carpet underlay made from upcycled plastic bottles, the investment has so far safeguarded and created 13 jobs in the area.
Previously based in an old textile mill in Elland, Texfelt’s investment is in direct response to a decline in its traditional markets due to the dramatic changes in the flooring industry over the last 15-20 years. Six years in the making, the new plant is home to new machinery and modern technology. A collaboration between Texfelt and four other machinery manufacturers, the new site has enabled Texfelt to introduce a unique technology which has allowed a new virtual spring structure in its products, enhancing their resilience and acoustic performance.
James Taylor, Managing Director at Texfelt and fourth generation in the family run business, commented: “Today’s royal opening is a real milestone for Texfelt. Building a development of this size doesn’t come without its challenges but we are incredibly proud of what’s been achieved, and of the direct impact we’ve had on job creation in Bradford. Our family roots are from Huddersfield, so we have a huge emotional attachment to Yorkshire and are proud to be part of the region’s future.”
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and NP11, said: “I’m delighted that through the Growth Service, the LEP has supported businesses to become more productive and environmentally sustainable. The Leeds City Region is a leading centre for textile manufacturing, and businesses like Texfelt are boosting growth and global competitiveness in this sector. It’s vital that as a region we continue to invest in innovation and give businesses the tools they need to help grow the economy. I would encourage all businesses to pick up the phone and find out about the support available for growing businesses at every stage of their development.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This is great news for the Bradford district. Significant investment in manufacturing technology is a key part of our economic strategy. Businesses like Texfelt are not only good for jobs and the economy, they are also good for the environment.”
To coincide with the opening of the Bradford site and confirm its commitment to the environment, Texfelt has brought a new eco-engineered carpet underlay to market, 85% of which is made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics bottles and other single use plastics. Each role of Springbond uses up to 180 recycled bottles, meaning the average homeowner could see 900 recycled bottles sitting under their carpets. In keeping with its environmental ethos, Texfelt partnered with Associated Weavers by using its Sedna carpet for its launch event. The Sedna carpet is made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, a yarn made from recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea.
Texfelt received investment for its new facility from the Textiles Growth Programme via the Business Growth Hub, and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP funding was delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
Jo Ruxton, prominent plastic pollution campaigner and CEO and Founder of Plastic Oceans UK, continued: “I am delighted to attend the opening of the new Texfelt factory. Springbond is a perfect example of upcycling for plastic that might otherwise have ended up in the environment. I hope this will encourage other entrepreneurs to find ways to value plastic to ensure it never reaches our oceans.”
Springbond is highly suited to industries looking to replace PU foam with a greener, cleaner and safer alternative – there are no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) meaning better air quality throughout the home. Springbond’s transferrable nature means that it can be used in upholstered furniture, mattresses, insulation, and within the automotive sector too.
Texfelt is a partner of non-profit organisation Plastic Oceans UK, which addresses plastic pollution. For more information on Texfelt and Springbond please visit https://www.texfelt.co.uk/.
For media enquiries please contact Amy or Danielle on 0800 4 10 20 10 or email: texfelt@umpf.co.uk.
Notes To Editors
Texfelt: Texfelt is a world leader in eco-engineered carpet underlays. Part of JR Group UK, it has been manufacturing non-woven products for over 25 years and its multi million pound state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Texfelt owns a number of brands including Springbond, the eco-engineered non-woven. For more information please visit https://www.texfelt.co.uk/.
Sedna: Sedna® carpet is soft, luxurious and durable. It is made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon, a yarn made from recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea. Sedna® thus helps to save thousands of beautiful sea creatures like sea turtles, dolphins and seals, which will no longer get stuck in this life-threatening waste. Moreover, Sedna® carpet has an ECO FusionBac textile back, made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
