UKFT member Sudbury Silk Mills has been an integral part of the British textile industry for over 300 years. Weaving exclusively for the brands Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving, Sudbury Silk Mills places an emphasis on its impact on the local community. Scroll down to find out more.

UKFT member Sudbury Silk Mills is a family-run weaving mill based in Sudbury, Suffolk. The mill has been at the forefront of silk weaving and an integral part of the British textile industry for over 300 years. It weaves exclusively for the brands Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving.

The three companies bring a huge textile heritage and a unique expertise to the mill. Where Stephen Walters specialises in high-quality apparel and bridal fabrics, David Walters focuses on the wholesale market with high end interior fabrics. Humphries Weaving works across bespoke interiors and historical restorations.

Sudbury Silk Mills can follow through with the entire weaving process in-house, including design concept, development, yarn dyeing, warping, weaving and fabric finishing. It is the first UK mill to receive the OEKO-TEX® STeP certification, which sets the highest social and environmental standards for textile production. Achieving this certification emphasised Sudbury Silks Mills’ commitment to having a positive impact on the planet and the local community. Ceri Yates, Sales Director at Stephen Walters, commented:

“Sudbury Silk Mills places great emphasis on its impact on the local community and the environment. The mill focuses on hiring locally from the Sudbury area, ensuring that the skills and economic benefits are retained within the community.

As the first mill in the UK to receive OEKO-TEX® STeP certification, it sets a benchmark for sustainable practices. This certification ensures adherence to rigorous standards in environmental and chemical management, social responsibility, fair working conditions, and worker safety. Continuous improvement and efficient resource use are key principles that guide the mill’s operations.”

The mill adopts an open-door culture within the workplace, explained Stewart, an employee at Sudbury Silk Mills. He said: “I believe this is why there’s such harmony within a company of over a hundred staff. Everyone has a voice and shows respect across all departments. Whether it’s the managing director or any other team member, we all greet each other the same way. It’s a great environment.”

The Sudbury Silk Mills team features both experienced professionals and new talent. Ceri commented: “One-third of our team comprises fresh talent, injecting our operations with youthful energy and innovative ideas. Another third brings a wealth of mid-career expertise, grounding us in tradition while embracing new challenges. The final third consists of seasoned veterans, whose mastery of the craft serves as the bedrock of our success. This balanced blend ensures that Sudbury Silk Mills remains a dynamic hub of creativity and excellence, where tradition meets innovation in every thread.” 

Sudbury Silk Mills bring these values and company ethos into Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving, explained Lynette and Steve from Sudbury Silk Mills. “It’s a uniquely interesting place. Everything is contained in one building, so you can walk from one end of the mill to the other and see the whole process,” said Lynette. “I’ve been with the mill for 24 years, and I genuinely feel I’ll be here until I retire,” added Steve. He said: “My father also worked here, and it was heartwarming to see other parent-child duos among our colleagues. It’s a place where people stay for the long haul because it’s a great environment with a wonderful group of people. I have no desire to look for a role anywhere else. This longevity and sense of community truly show how special the company is.”

Explore Sudbury Silk Mills online:

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About Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving

Jacquard weaving has been at the core of Stephen Walters’ craft since 1720. The family-owned business’ in-house creative team develops innovative fabrics for apparel, bridal and fashion accessories. Six new collections and unique bespoke projects are produced each year by Sudbury Silk Mills. “Customers can choose from collections or collaborate on custom designs, leveraging CAD interpretations and strike-offs to ensure precise colour and detail. By combining artisan skills with modern technology, Stephen Walters continues to lead the market in high-quality, bespoke woven fabrics, exhibiting at major industry events like Ideabiella Milano Unica and working with clients globally from their mill in Suffolk.”

David Walters focuses on high-end interior fabrics for leading design houses, wholesalers and manufacturers. Its creative team uses David Walters’ vast archives as a source of inspiration to develop unique fabrics. “With a range of stocked yarns, they offer consistent repeat orders with flexible minimums and fast lead times. Each yarn undergoes thorough testing before weaving, ensuring top quality. Fabrics are meticulously inspected by hand before packing and dispatching. Clients work with David Walters’ creative teams to develop unique fabrics that complement their styles.”

Meanwhile, British fabric manufacturer Humphries Weaving combines its extensive heritage with modern techniques to weave fine furnishing fabrics. “We are trusted researchers and advisors, and guide the customer through the development experience to produce beautiful and interesting fabrics for the world’s most prestigious clients. With over fifty years of weaving expertise, we have developed an extensive archive that serves as a rich resource of inspiration. Combining our heritage with modern technical abilities, we can weave unique designs and compositions that are specific to customers’ projects.”

Sudbury Silk Mills on becoming a member UKFT:

“Sudbury Silk Mills joined the UKFT because it’s great for connecting with others in the textile industry and getting their interests represented. UKFT works closely with government departments and puts together reports that back up industry data. They make it easy for members to collaborate and stay in touch, helping with networking and making introductions. Plus, they really highlight UK manufacturing at trade shows, giving members a chance to shine.”

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