A historic Perth-based textiles firm has strengthened its presence in the Chinese market place after opening a showroom in the world’s most populous city.
Isle Mill, the furnishings and fabrics arm of Macnaughton Holdings which is headquartered at Tower House at Inveralmond Industrial Estate, worked with Shanghai Home Expo Company to create the outlet in China’s second city.
The new showroom showcases a number of Isle Mill’s wool upholstery and window fabrics.
Sales director Bill Wheelan said the opportunity had grown from a meeting at a trade fair in Paris.
The new showroom opened its doors last week to a potential local market of more than 24 million people.
“We first met Shanghai Home Expo in 2015, when they visited us at the prestigious interiors and lifestyle exhibition, Maison & Objet in Paris,” Mr Wheelan said.
“We initially sent them a number of our pattern books, and over the coming months, they sampled a variety of our products.
“Having established the market for the Isle Mill’s products in China, they approached us with the showroom proposal, which will see our fabrics displayed alongside many of Europe’s top designer brands.”
Macnaughton is one of Scotland’s oldest textile companies, and remains in the hands of the seventh generation of the founding family.
The company employs around 70 staff at its three Scottish sites.
Aside from the furnishings business, the firm produces neckerchiefs for the Scouts and traditional Highlandwear.