Reprieve for Kinky Knickers manufacturer after admin buyout

Posted on 18 Feb 2014 by The Manufacturer

The future of the Manchester textile manufacturer which produces the Kinky Knickers range is secure after a management buyout taking it out of administration.

The 79-year-old Headen and Quarmby firm, which went into administration last month citing ”a small number of bad debts” further compounded by a lack of orders, is now under the ownership of former managing director David Moor.

The buyer, Headen and Quarmby UK, also confirmed it intends to re-start production at the company’s Middleton facility as soon as possible.

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Moor said: “We have a strong underlying business and a full order book. We’re determined to rebuild a great British success story, thanks to the support of our staff, retailers, suppliers and Mary Portas.”

Portas, who expressed her surprise at the firm’s financial difficulties, gave the company her backing in 2012 backing after featuring in her TV series Mary’s Bottom Line.

Portas reopened the sewing room at the company’s Middleton, Greater Manchester factory for the programme aimed at demonstrating the potential to revive British manufacturing.