Woodhouse defunct?

[tteplitzmd]

When in London a few weeks ago, several Industry people said they though Woodhouse had closed, but weren't quite sure. Is the rumor true?

[richardcharles]

I just pm'd Terry to let him know that woodhouse was sold within the last month. The buyers are a group that include the man that I think might be the most important person with regards to the long term success of the weaving industry in Yorkshire, Chris Antich. The sale continues the trend of mills without looms as Antich will now become the commission weaver of the woodhous product. Most would be suprised to learn that he may weave a great deal of the cloth that we admire for companies that are known to all.

[RWS]

The real question, then, is the quality of what he will weave. Will it continue the characteristics that made Woodhouse distinctive?

[richardcharles]

I would say on a broader level the issue is can one achieve the same level of quality having production done by others on a commission basis. Most understand the dynamics of how commission work operates ( paying by the piece or per meter ) Given that one company does the majority of the finishing for the better quality producers does outsourcing weaving make that much of a difference? Those that do it in house will say it does. I am not sure. Woodhouse had ceased to weave and finish in house prior to the sale. The feedback from some was that the finishing had actually improved. The real takeaway from my perspective is that you have two companies ( Pennine Weavers and CJ Antich ) that have invested in their business, become more efficient and flourished. The issue of lack of investment in the weaving industry in the UK, coupled with the high social costs, have created the crisis that the industry faces today