Scots textiles firm expands American footprint with factory acquisition

The move expands Wilkie’s American presence, adding 25 employees and £6.25 million in revenue. The Scottish business, operating since 1868, specializes in industrial textiles and materials.

The acquisition is expected to bolster Wilkie’s growth in the American market, a key focus for the company.

Chief executive Hamish Rowan, the sixth generation of the family business, told The Courier: “Wilkie’s acquisition of Bradford Industries not only enhances our manufacturing footprint but also cements our pledge to leading-edge development in the technical textiles industry.

“The site will continue to specialise in key markets such as airbag coating, cast polymer films, parachute and high-performance sports equipment coating, military applications, and advanced coatings for various industrial applications.”

Mr Rowan said that the new site, rebranded as Wilkie America, will “continue to specialise in key markets such as airbag coating, cast polymer films, parachute and high-performance sports equipment coating, military applications”, as well as advanced coatings for various industrial applications. Wilkie plans significant investment in research and development at this facility.

Integrating existing American sales activity is projected to add an additional £4m in revenue. Avidia Bank in Massachusetts assisted with financing the asset purchase.

Wilkie envisions significant synergies between Wilkie Scotland, supplying woven fabrics, and Wilkie America, coating and reselling them. This move is expected to strengthen Wilkie’s value chain and pave the way for a prosperous future.