Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited specialist yarn manufacturer Laxtons in Baildon in West Yorkshire on 20 February 2024, in her capacity as President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT).

Laxtons, a leader UK textile specialist, has been crafting dyed and undyed yarns for hand knitting, machine knitting, and woven fabrics since its inception in 1907. The company prides itself on offering premium yarn products that emphasize quality, traceability and bespoke finishes tailored to individual requirements.

The legacy of Laxtons spans generations, with the company’s name becoming synonymous with spinning fancy and worsted yarns. Today, under the stewardship of the fourth generation of the family, James, Laxtons continues to uphold its tradition of excellence.

The relocation of their manufacturing operations in December 2009 marked a significant milestone for Laxtons, as they successfully reshored 100% of their manufacturing processes. Over the past years, the company has expanded its manufacturing capacity and capabilities, culminating in the construction of a state-of-the-art spinning mill. This new facility not only increases production capacity but also enables Laxtons to offer an even more diverse range of yarns for various markets and end uses.

James, the current CEO and the fourth generation of the family, leads Laxtons with pride and dedication. His comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes involved in fancy yarn manufacturing, acquired through hands-on experience in the mill, has been instrumental in the company’s success.

During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal had the opportunity to gain insights into Laxtons’ operations and the evolving landscape of the textile industry. She was given a comprehensive tour of the facility, which included visits to the quality control laboratory, as well as viewing the gilling process for wool, fancy yarn spinning, worsted spinning, twisting, balling and the innovative use of robotic knotting – a new development for Laxtons and the industry. Additionally, she observed hand knitting techniques first-hand, experiencing the craftsmanship behind the new byLaxtons craft brand concentrating on a more sustainable approach to clothing, celebrating handmade, slow clothes with knowledge of every process from fleece to finished garment.

Laxtons remains committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that their products continue to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide. The visit underscored the importance of British craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of companies like Laxtons in shaping the textile industry here in the UK.

The Royal Visit forms part of UKFT’s mission to support the sustainable growth of the UK fashion and textile industry.

James Laxton CEO said:

“We are honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Laxtons to showcase the hard work our team are doing in areas from, pioneering high tech use of robotics to our latest commitment in using 100% Green energy including Bio Methane, Wind, Solar and Wave electricity, to name just a few.”

Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said:

“We are delighted to be able to introduce HRH The Princess Royal to Laxtons, which is a great example of craftsmanship and innovation in British manufacturing. This family-run company invests as much in its team as it does in machinery to carry on the legacy of excellence that has defined Laxtons for generations. Their commitment to quality, sustainability and technological advancement means they are looking forward to the future with excitement and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of yarn manufacturing.”

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Layton’s is a UKFT member. To find out more about UKFT membership, click here.