An Angus-based global textile manufacturing company is continuing to invest in China, India and the USA as it unveils a revamped executive management team to take the company forward.
J&D Wilkie Ltd, which has been operating as a family run business in Kirriemuir for almost 150 years, has reiterated its pledge to be “leaders in the world of technical textiles” for filtration, construction, energy and defence industries.
The company has also thanked its workforce for its hard work and dedication.In a statement ahead of the firm’s 150th anniversary next year, financial director Roger McGill said: “We are proud to publicise, with the approach of next year, that J&D Wilkie Ltd will have been operating in Kirriemuir for 150 years as a family run company and that we are delighted to have a new team in place taking the company forward and the majority shareholding remaining within the original family.
“J&D Wilkie has invested approximately £1 million in new equipment and welcomed additional new employees to help develop and grow its technical textile manufacturing capabilities at the group’s headquarters in Kirriemuir.
“These developments are essential preparation for the exciting plans to modernise our core business over the coming years.
“We operate on a global scale with thriving manufacturing bases in China and India and have recently expanded our sales presence into the USA.
“We are proud to be meeting the specialist challenges presented to us to by our customers and to be leaders in the world of technical textiles for filtration, construction, energy and defence Industries.
“Our ongoing focus is to develop and innovate technical textiles for our customers to allow them to make their products and businesses safer, more efficient and more productive.
“We would like to thank the workforce for all the hard work and dedication to make our shared vision, a reality and our company in Kirriemuir stronger.”
Founded by James and David Wilkie as a jute weaver in 1868, the company has seen many changes through the years and today, while probably unrecognisable to its founders, prides itself on being one of the best textile weavers in Europe.
Michael Rowan, Bob Low and Alan Downs (retired) have been handing the reins over to the new team for the last year. Under the new set up, Mr Rowan will continue in his role as non-executive chairman of the board and Mr Low will cease employment with the company but will be available in a consultancy role working with sales and development.
Hamish Rowan (sixth generation) and Jean-Christophe Granier will continue as joint managing directors and will be responsible for production and sales respectively with Roger McGill as financial director giving the new team a strong all round position for the future, the company says.
