From 1 October 2019, Coolflow Schoolwear will distribute the Charles Kirk brand from its business operation in Leicester. Worthing based schoolwear specialist Charles Kirk has been run for over 75 years by the Horton family, who are experts in the manufacturing, supply, embroidery and printing of knitwear, sweatshirts and accessories.
With the turmoil caused by Brexit and the demise of the textile industry, the Horton family has decided that the reduced sales of UK made products and the costs of maintaining machines in Sussex is unsustainable. Therefore, following the retirement of directors Charles and Deborah Horton, the manufacturing operation in Worthing will be closed.
Commenting is Charles Horton. “We’ve enjoyed great success since my grandfather got involved with Charles Kirk in 1953. We are excited to see the next stage in the evolution of what we have built.
“Distribution and manufacture of the Charles Kirk brand via Coolflow Schoolwear will achieve a shorter and leaner supply chain. This will allow the products to remain competitive in an extremely challenging and ever-changing market.”
Over the last 30 years, Charles Kirk has been working closely with Coolflow Schoolwear.
The partnership initially saw the fabrics manufactured in Leicester being used for sweatshirt garments made in Worthing. As the schoolwear industry moved their supplies offshore, Coolflow Schoolwear sourced knitwear (Coolflow and Coolacryl) and sweatshirts (ColourPlus) from Europe and then Asia.
The Loyal family, who runs Coolflow Schoolwear, shares Charles Kirk’s values of product quality, customer service and attention to detail. The Coolflow team’s technical knowledge of yarns and fabrics, plus the facility to manufacture in the UK as well as offshore, will continue to provide the service and high quality of garments customers are accustomed to.
To ensure the continuing success of both brands, Coolflow has installed a new computer system – an upgraded version of the current Charles Kirk system – which stores all of the information for bespoke garments, making it easier for future production purposes. It will also be offering an online ordering service in 2020.
Commenting is Dan Loyal, MD of Coolflow. “By shortening the supply chain we will ensure a sustainable and competitive supply of quality uniforms into the schoolwear industry. The business will enter into the digital era enabling higher levels of customer service.”
In other developments, Coolflow Schoolwear is introducing Micro-Fresh Technology across all of its acrylic blend sweatshirts.
Developed in the UK, the innovative treatment gives long-lasting freshness. It also enables the washing of garments at 30°C, reducing both energy consumption and carbon footprint. To complement this, the company is also introducing compostable bags across all of its ranges.
