A MAJOR investment programme has seen £1.5 million ploughed into a specialist fabric firm. J B Broadley, one of Europe's largest fabric coaters, has invested in new machinery and equipment at its Rawtenstall works.
The firm, which supplies the military, automotive, industrial and sports markets, has also recently completed a 30,000sq ft factory extension. In the last three years turnover at the firm has doubled and the workforce increased from 110 to 180.
"The company's emphasis on researching new markets and making the necessary investment to service them, has resulted in the company going from strength to strength," said managing director Alan Pilkington. The firm began in 1910 as a supplier of raw materials to the footwear industry. Now it supplies coated fabrics for uses such as hospital bed covers and luggage, breathable lining for sports wear and coatings for car airbags.
The firm also still supplies the footwear industry with linings and bindings.
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