A leading British manufacturer of carpets for the commercial hotel and hospitality sector has announced a significant investment in its Wiltshire factory.
Wilton Carpets is committing to a further £1.2m investment in its plant in Wilton, securing the business for its future growth and development. A number of traditional looms are to be replaced by technologically advanced axminster weaving machinery, which will boost efficiency and output while reducing waste and energy, to service what the company predicts will be a continuing strong demand for its products in the decades to come.
New skilled jobs will be created in the process, and a recruitment drive is underway for prospective employees seeking a long-term future in what will be an increasingly high-tech environment.
Wilton Carpets is enjoying a full order book with demand soaring as its customers favour the assurance of its British-produced carpet over import uncertainty, particularly for date-critical projects. By using an increasing quantity of domestically-sourced raw materials in its supply chain, linked with cutting-edge UK-based manufacturing and innovative design, the business aims to service customer demand for enduring quality carpet made with short lead-times, a lower carbon footprint, and delivery certainty.
Alan Whittle, Sales and Marketing Director explains “This investment follows on from the commitment made six years ago when we installed the first pilot high speed loom so we are backing known technology. But the returns are not just about efficiency and productivity – the investment also reflects the confidence felt in the management and staff at Wilton whose hard work and dedication will make this commitment truly transformational.”
The improved competitiveness that the new weaving technology introduces is also expected to foster export sales growth, as the company promotes its historic pedigree allied with state-of-the-art manufacturing capability to pursue markets worldwide.