Viyella International Ltd

Notes:

Traced origins to 1784 when established by Henry Hollins, Thomas Oldknow, John Paulson, William Siddon and John Cowpe at Pleasley as a yarn spinning business supplying local hosiery industry. Early on known variously as Cowpe, Oldknow, Siddon & Co and Hollins, Siddon & Co. By 1846 known as William Hollins & Co. From early 1870s, under Henry Hollins, 1842-1920, expanded rapidly. Incorporated 1882 and reorganised 1890. 1893 developed Viyella, a mix of cotton and wool which produced a distinctive hardwearing cloth which proved to be immensely popular. This led to the rapid development of a vertically integrated business comprising yarn and cloth production (through acquisition of Glasgow mills), clothing manufacture and marketing and distribution direct to retailers. 1908 converted to public company. 1928 acquired Seedhill Finishing Co Ltd to undertake its finishing work.1961 acquired the small Gainsborough Cornard Ltd, owned by Joe Hymans, as a means of diversification into man made fibres. Hymans soon led business, aggressively reviving it and renaming it Viyella International Ltd. Grew by acquisition. Formed brief association with ICI Ltd in early 1960s and in 1970 merged with Carrington & Dewhurst Ltd to form Carrington Viyella in which ICI had a major interest. Subsequently known as Vantona Viyella and Coates Viyella. Viyella brand name continues