Hartlepool firm Weavers have got it covered

Oct 8 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

INDEPENDENTLY-owned Whitestone Weavers, which operates from a 500,000 sq ft cutting and distribution centre in Hartlepool, has taken the unusual step of repatriating all its "lower end" carpet production to the UK because of cost.

The firm, whose woven Axminister and Wilton carpets will continue to be made by partner firms in Poland, said recent movements in the Euro meant it now made sense to bring its broad loom tufted carpet production home to Britain. This week the firm launched a Made in Yorkshire label for the tufted range.

The move will create a number of jobs in the manufacturing chain.

Phil Hartley, sales director for Whitestone Weavers Group, said: “We always had a plan to migrate - we thought at that time some (of our tufted production) but we have managed all of it - to the UK and specifically Yorkshire. The quality, cost and logistics were better for us.”

The firm said it was expanding its portfolio of tufted carpets, which are considerably cheaper than woven, “to broaden its spread across the price points in the market place”.

Whitestone, in the top one-third of British manufacturers with a £25m group turnover, had achieved “a small percentage growth in a market that we know has reduced by more than 20%”, said Mr Hartley.

He put the growth down to a lean business model which relies on fixed term contracts with suppliers and concentrating on supplying only independent retailers rather than carpet sheds.

“We have a very good business model that’s very lean. We have good manufacturing chains and supply routes and we are not afraid to commit to volume - and wherever you go in the world, if you commit to volume you get a good price,” he said.

Last year, the firm launched a range of all natural carpets under the Nature’s Own label. At the time, MD Steve Byrne said the all British natural fibres and subtle colours of native wool breeds had gone down well with consumers.

Mr Hartley added: “We’re very much focused on supporting our British manufacturers and as well as developing a ‘Made in Britain’ logo which will be used nationally, we’re doing a limited edition ‘Made in Yorkshire’ run for selected stockists and retailers based there.

“We believe the consumer has come to value products made in this country - and particularly those made even more locally.”