Textiles company celebrates 100 years
STEFAN JAJECZNYK
BOSSES at a textiles company which makes a million tea towels a year are proud that the firm is celebrating a ‘remarkable’ centenary.
Staff at Accringtonbased Lantex will celebrate the firm’s 100th birthday on April 24.
One family has been among the owners of the company, which is located on Oxford Street in the town, virtually throughout its existence.
Chairman David Hardman inherited shares in the firm, which was previously known as Scapa Manufacturing, in 1968 when he was 12 years old following the death of his mother, Kath.
His father, Albert Henry Hardman, known as ‘Mr Harry’, bought the majority of the company in 1920 when he was just 21 years old, after having fought in the First World War.
David, who was left the business when his father died in 1973, says that the company, which was founded in Haslingden before relocating to Accrington in the 1980s, has a ‘remarkable’ story’.
He said: “We’re celebrating 100 years of continuous production of textiles since the founding of the company in 1918.
“The company weathered the decline of the textiles industry in the ‘60s and we are still going strong, with turnover now at £2 million.
“One hundred years of history is something to be proud of, and we believe we have achieved this landmark by flexibility, considering what the future holds and keeping costs low.”
While the company still uses some textiles produced in Lancashire, the range of suppliers has expanded over the years, especially from China, which gives more flexibility in what they can produce.
John Parker, managing director, joined Lantex in 1982 and said the firm’s relationship with its staff as the key to its success.
He added: “Generally speaking our employees are responsible for the quality and quantity of production they make.
“Management listens to issues raised and solutions are found.”
John and his management team have presided over the growth of the company. He says that this success is also due to a loyal workforce.
He added: “We currently employ over 30 people including 14 machinists, and we’re looking to create eight more jobs over the next two years. We’re proud that 40 per cent of our workforce has been with us for over a decade.”
Last month we reported that Lantex received a £1,500 grant to protect its intellectual property rights.