Axminster, the famous carpet manufacturer that not only has a Royal Warrant but also makes carpets for JD Wetherspoon pubs, airport lounges, hotels and several train companies, has been rescued from administration by a group of private investors.
The company went into administration on 19 February with debts reported to be £8 million. Administrators Duff & Phelps quickly sold off the underlay business, Axfelt, to rival Ulster Carpets and then sold the Axminster Carpet Shop to Wilton.
But prospects looked bleak for the main manufacturing business and its 80 employees.
However, a group of private investors from the UK, including members of the Dutfield family which relaunched carpet manufacturing in Axminster in 1937 after a fire closed the original factory in 1828, has now bought the business as a going concern. Currently called ACL Carpets Ltd, the name should shortly revert to Axminster Carpets.
Which is good news for the railways as Axminster carpets can currently be found in 80 per cent of all UK rolling stock.
Further Reading:
South Western Railway’s new carpets are Axminsters!
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