History
Burmatex® was initially established as J&F Burrows in 1912 on the 11-acre site, which it still occupies today. Trade evolved through the processing of textile waste and synthetic materials for resale to the textile industry, to the manufacture of fibre-bonded carpet in the 1960s.
The company’s name changed in 1972, and Burmatex® is now a leading company within the multi-million-pound AIREA plc.
1851
Victoria Mills Construction
Victoria Mills was constructed by the Ellis Brothers. Costing around £50,000 it manufactured cloth for official uniforms.
1912
Victoria Mills opened under J.F Burrows
J.F Burrows turned the mill to rag sorting for Ossett’s famous mungo and shoddy trade (making new material from old)
1930's
Reclaimed Fibres
Within this industry J.F Burrows began supplying reclaimed nylon and polyester fibre from recycled parachute chord (alongside recycled rag trade).
1967
First Carpet Machine
Innovating from the roots, J.F Burrows decided to employ their fibres in manufacturing our first carpet product.
1972
Second Carpet Machine
A second loom was introduced, manufacturing a thicker carpet pile and the outsourced production of carpet tiles began.
1980
Backing Plant Built
Initially outsourced abroad, a backing plant was added to Victoria Mills – enabling completed products on a single site.
1986
Tufting Machine
Building on our fibre bonded successes; the addition of a tufting machine developed the ranges available. Additionally, the takeover of The Carpet Tile Company at this point introduced new ranges and areas.
2000
Ryalux
Further expansion within the carpeting market was achieved through the acquisition of Ryalux – a manufacturer of domestic carpeting.
2002
William Pownall and Sons
A second acquisition increased our variety within the domestic carpeting market.
2007
Focused, Renamed
The sale of ventures introduced in the 1986 takeover created focus on the manufacture of carpet and carpet tiles. We subsequently re-branded as Burmatex®® under AIREA
