Local MP has celebrated local Manufacturer Wyedean Weaving as the firm celebrating 60 years of service this week.
The West Yorkshire firm, which was formed in 1964 by husband and wife team David and Norma Wright, is Haworth’s oldest employer and today produces over 10,000 uniform-based items each year including the King’s Coronation Medal ribbon and most recently, the British Armed Forces’ regimental flags.
Last year Wyedean Weaving was awarded the contract to manufacture the British Armed Forces’ new regimental flags ahead of King Charles III’s Coronation. The seven-year £5million contract, to replace all British Armed Forces’ Standards and Colours (military flags) with the King’s insignia and the Tudor Crown, has helped to fuel the company’s recent investment in a £300,000 refurbishment to future proof its 150-year-old Grade II listed mill building in Haworth.
The special diamond jubilee event showcased the team's latest intricate embroidery work on the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards Company Colours, with three embroiderers Aileen Henderson, Wendy Hatton and Susan Jones and long-serving project manager Melanie Kaye being awarded with the King's Coronation Medal for the integral part they played in creating new ceremonial items for the Coronation.
Speaking after the event Robbie Moore MP said:
“Managing Director Robin Wright and the whole Wyedean team are a testament to our town, putting our area on the map across the globe as the proud manufacturer of uniforms, braid, insignia, regalia and accoutrement for our armed forces. It was a privilege to attend Wyedean’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary to celebrate 60 years of manufacturing prowess, where we were able to see Their Majesties Coronation ribbon being woven firsthand and heard about how £40,000 from the government’s Towns Fund has helped Wyedean modernise their business.
On behalf of our entire community, I thank Wyedean and the Wright family for their contribution to our local economy, local jobs and our town’s manufacturing heritage - Here’s to another 60 years!”
