Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation, with roots that stretch back to 1966.
In 1966, Mr. James Rawson and his son, Mr. Malcolm Rawson, embarked on a journey that would shape the very fabric of our company.
Housed in a derelict building in Leeds, they created a winding company. This company was armed with a little more than a few second-hand machines purchased for £1500, and a small but dedicated team of five.
In 1978, Mr. Derek Bedford joined the company, leading the company’s shift to become A.V. Yarns, specialising in carpet yarn spinning and winding.
The collaboration between Mr. Bedford and the Rawson family drove A.V. Yarns’ success and growth, establishing them as a trusted name in producing top-notch and luxurious yarns.
In 1984, the decision to move to Dewsbury was made. Dewsbury had all the right credentials when looking for a new site. The area’s long history of association with carpet yarn spinning, plus a workforce with plenty of experience in the job convinced Directors this was the right move. From here Calder Textiles was formed.
The industrial complex, Dewsbury Mills, just outside Dewsbury , was again a hive of activity, with the majority of production housed within the main Anchor House building. A property company, Calder Properties, was formed and the remaining units on the site were leased out.
In 1994, the company acquired Calderdale Carpets, an Axminster carpet company, which expanded the portfolio of the Calder Group. The company was originally based in Halifax using spool looms to create carpets catered towards the hospitality and leisure sectors.
The integration of Calderdale Carpets has enabled the Calder Group to manage the complete production cycle, from raw wool to the final stage of finished carpets.
In 1998, Calderdale Carpets relocated to the Dewsbury site to be in close proximity to Calder Textiles, an operational decision that resulted in a reduced carbon footprint due to on-site access to yarn suppliers and dye house.
The move came with change. We switched to Axminster gripper looms, which brought about significant changes, enabling fast production through the use of carded jacquard system. Subsequently, the implementation of electronic jacquard systems and 3.66m broadloom looms further advanced efficiency and expanded capabilities in carpet manufacturing over the years.
We are so proud of our heritage and how much we have grown over 60 years. We have been at our current site since 1998, alongside Calder Textiles and Calder Dyers, housed in a building dating back to pre-1900.
The group is wholeheartedly focused on expansion and evolution by incorporating innovative and sustainable procedures to propel the company forward. Through the adoption of new practices that prioritise sustainability, the group aims to enhance its operations, embrace growth opportunities, and contribute to a more environmentally conscious business model.
