Trainee Joe Cooke (31), Jack Crombie (24), Adam Mortimer (33), Matthew Robinson (24) completed a technical three-day course at Jakob Muller Group in Switzerland, with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

The training provided the technicians with in-depth knowledge of narrow fabric looms and exposure to innovative technologies, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape.

‘‘Joe is a textile technician at our Tamworth site. Joe came away with a better working knowledge of the looms. He commented that the course has enabled him to get to a level of understanding in a faster time frame than he would have achieved from learning in his everyday environment. He enjoyed meeting colleagues working at a different site and meeting the team at Muller.’’

Based in Morrey, Staffordshire, Bowmer Bond has been manufacturing woven webbing since 1795. The company serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, safety and leisure. As part of its ongoing commitment to investing in people, Bowmer Bond sees upskilling as a key part of its growth strategy.

‘‘Jack is the assistant to the production manager at our Ashbourne site. Jack welcomed the professional training that was standardized; he was pleased that everyone got the same level of training. He benefited by the exposure to other technologies and the future possibilities of narrow fabrics.  Jack enjoyed networking with colleagues from Bowmer Bond, and the people at Muller. He mentioned that the opportunity to learn more would be very beneficial in his future career and said that it was an overall great experience”.

‘‘Adam works at our Tamworth site as a technician team leader. Following the training, he has a better working knowledge of NF looms.  He said that the training keeps everyone on the same page. Adam is looking forward to working with his colleagues with their combined increasing knowledge and problem solving with the team.  He said that the course has quickened his technical progress and given him increased confidence in problem solving within narrow fabric production. He was particularly pleased that his increased knowledge will be helping the team”.

‘‘Matthew is a weaving technician working at our Ashbourne site. Matthew was pleased at how much knowledge and understanding he had gained from the course.  He said that the course was bringing up the standard, with more people knowing how and why processes are done and giving him a deeper knowledge and understanding of the machines. He enjoyed visiting the museum at Muller and gaining a concept of textiles evolving through time. Matthew was very interested in the potential of narrow fabrics and how their use is always evolving.’’

Nigel Cooper, production manager at Ashbourne, said:

‘‘Bowmer Bond team have been given an invaluable insight into the workings and running of a niche market.’’

Dan Smith, manager at Tamworth, went on:

‘‘The course has given knowledge to more people and I want my team to know as much as possible, which is beneficial to the individual, the managers and the company.’’

Bowmer Bond Narrow Fabrics Limited became an employee-owned company in 2022, securing the future and giving long-term stability and security to its employees. The company is certified to ISO-9001: 2015 for the Manufacture of Narrow Fabric Products.

The Young Textile Technician Fund will cover 50% of the costs of in-depth training for young textile technicians, thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Weavers, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and The Worshipful Company of Drapers.